马杜罗留下的160吨黄金，成了反抗特朗普最大的底气

Core Viewpoint - The gold reserves left by Maduro, totaling 160 tons, have become a crucial bargaining chip for Venezuela's interim president Rodriguez in negotiations with Trump, proving to be more reliable than oil [1][3]. Group 1: Economic Context - Venezuela's sovereign gold reserves amount to 161 tons, approximately 5.18 million troy ounces, valued at over $22 billion based on current market prices [3]. - The gold reserves position Venezuela as the country with the largest gold reserves in Latin America, serving as a significant economic legacy from Maduro's government [3][5]. Group 2: Political Dynamics - Rodriguez's government is strategically negotiating with the U.S., seeking to secure more favorable terms rather than outright submission to U.S. demands [1][5]. - The government believes it can withstand U.S. military threats and oil sanctions without immediate collapse, leveraging its gold reserves as a key asset in negotiations [3][5]. Group 3: Strategic Importance of Gold - Unlike oil, gold does not require extraction or depend on international transport and settlement systems, allowing Rodriguez's government to bypass U.S. financial blockades [7]. - The gold reserves are essential for maintaining loyalty among military and bureaucratic elites, ensuring social order and stability within Venezuela [7][8]. Group 4: Negotiation Signals - Rodriguez's proposed cooperation agenda signals to Trump that while the government is open to discussions about oil, it insists on including local elites in any agreements [8]. - The potential for conflict arises if the U.S. attempts to seize control without accommodating local interests, as this could lead to significant instability within Venezuela [8].