A long-standing territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana over the oil-rich Essequibo region has exploded into a high-stakes international flashpoint, drawing in major world powers and heightening regional tensions.

In recent weeks, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio visited Guyana and delivered a sharp warning to Venezuela: any military move against Guyana or companies like ExxonMobil operating in the area “would be a very bad day” for Venezuela. This was one of the clearest signs yet that Washington is taking the dispute seriously and is prepared to defend its interests—and Guyana’s sovereignty—in the region.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro didn’t hold back in his response, calling Rubio an “imbecile” and declaring, “No one threatens Venezuela.” The fiery exchange comes as Maduro ramps up his rhetoric over Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region, a territory that makes up more than two-thirds of Guyana and is rich in oil and minerals.

While Venezuela has long-standing alliances with China and Russia, neither country has backed Maduro’s position on the dispute. China has emphasized its friendly relations with both Venezuela and Guyana, and while it has made major investments in Guyana’s infrastructure and trade, it has remained publicly neutral on the border issue. Russia, which recently congratulated Maduro on his disputed re-election and pledged to deepen ties, has also stayed silent on the territorial matter.

This lack of direct support from its allies leaves Venezuela in a complicated position. Although Maduro counts on China and Russia as key partners economically and politically, their neutrality suggests limited appetite for becoming entangled in a regional conflict.

Meanwhile, the United States is stepping up its presence in Guyana, both to protect U.S. energy investments and to counterbalance growing Chinese and Russian influence in South America. American officials see the stability of Guyana not just as a regional concern, but as part of broader strategic competition.

The Essequibo dispute dates back more than a century but has gained urgency as massive offshore oil reserves have been discovered in recent years. Guyana has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, attracting global attention and investment.

As the situation continues to unfold, the risk of escalation remains real. With powerful nations watching closely, and with oil, sovereignty, and influence all on the line, how this dispute is managed could shape the geopolitical future of northern South America.