Poll: China a more positive influence than US in Latin America
Latinobarómetro survey shows that – for the first time since the annual survey began in 1995 – China is seen as a more benign force than the United States on the world. Leer más
A recent poll reveals that China is viewed as a more positive influence than the United States in Latin America. The 2026 Latinobarómetro survey, conducted in 17 Latin American countries, found that 65% of respondents considered China a positive influence, up from 48% in 2016. In contrast, only 57% saw the United States as a positive force, a decline from 60% in 2020.
Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic were the only countries where US influence was deemed more positive than Chinese. The poll suggests China now has more influence in Latin America than the United States. The growing disaffection towards the US comes amid Trump's second term, during which he openly pursued a regional dominance strategy, the "Donroe Doctrine."
Despite this, the United States remains more popular than China, with 63% having a favorable view of the world's top economy, compared to 58% for China. However, this popularity has decreased since 2024, when 73% viewed the US favorably. The "Donroe Doctrine" blends Trump's first name with that of James Monroe, who declared Latin America the US's exclusive sphere of influence over two centuries ago.
Trump's attempts to restore US dominance in the region were evident in January when the US overthrew Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. While most Latin American countries approved of Maduro's capture by US special forces, only 35% believed it benefited Venezuela, with 28% believing it harmed the country. Venezuelans themselves viewed US influence most positively.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
