黄金命门：161吨黄金如何撑起委内瑞拉的“反封锁”生存术？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses how Venezuela's 161 tons of gold have become a crucial asset for the country amidst economic sanctions and political turmoil, serving as a lifeline and a means to negotiate with external powers [1][3]. Group 1: Economic Impact - Venezuela's inflation peaked at 830,000%, and the country has faced severe economic challenges, including the blockade of oil exports by the U.S. military, making gold the only viable hard currency for transactions [3][4]. - In 2025, Venezuela managed to exchange gold for 300 million tons of food, effectively averting a potential famine and demonstrating the strategic use of gold in bypassing the dollar system [4][5]. - The gold reserves are equivalent to 4 million barrels of oil, highlighting their importance in funding military and social programs [3][4]. Group 2: Political Dynamics - The Swiss government's asset freeze, framed as a humanitarian act, has inadvertently strengthened Maduro's support by rallying nationalistic sentiments among the populace [3][4]. - The situation reflects a broader geopolitical struggle, with Venezuela's gold reserves acting as leverage in negotiations with the U.S. and other powers, especially as the 2026 U.S. midterm elections approach [7][9]. - The article suggests that the freezing of assets by Switzerland reveals the fragility of neutrality in global finance, emphasizing that true power dynamics are dictated by resource control [7][9]. Group 3: Global Implications - The ongoing conflict between Venezuela and the U.S. represents a larger clash between Southern nations and Western rule systems, prompting other countries to reconsider their economic sovereignty in a world where assets can be frozen at will [9][10]. - The situation raises questions about the role of gold as a last resort for nations facing similar pressures, potentially altering the rules of international engagement and economic strategy [9][10].