China surpasses U.S. in perceived regional influence in Latin America

Latinobarómetro 2026 geopolitical influence China-US rivalry Latin America Donroe Doctrine

The 2026 Latinobarómetro survey reveals that for the first time since the poll began in 1995, China is perceived as a more positive global influence in Latin America than the United States. According to the report, 65 percent of respondents across 17 countries view China’s influence positively, compared to 57 percent for the U.S. This marks a significant shift from 2020, when China’s positive perception stood at 48 percent and the U.S. was at 60 percent.

Marta Lagos, director of Latinobarómetro, noted that China has filled an economic void by providing access to affordable goods. While China leads in perceived regional influence, the U.S. maintains a higher overall favorable opinion, with 63 percent of respondents viewing the country favorably compared to 58 percent for China.

The shift occurs amid the second term of U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration has pursued a more interventionist approach termed the “Donroe Doctrine.” Additionally, cybersecurity investigations by ESET suggest that the geopolitical competition is extending into the digital realm, with Chinese-linked cybercriminal groups such as FamousSparrow reportedly increasing operations targeting government entities in Latin American nations like Argentina, Ecuador, and Panama.

Entities

China · Donald Trump · Latinobarómetro · Marta Lagos · United States · Xi Jinping

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Despite influence perceptions, 63 percent of respondents hold a favorable opinion of the US, compared to 58 percent for China. haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Latinobarometro director Marta Lagos stated China fills a economic void by providing access to affordable goods. udgtv.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Positive perception of China's influence rose from 48 percent in 2020 to 65 percent in 2026. haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · udgtv.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic were the only surveyed countries where US influence is viewed more positively than China's. haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Positive perception of US influence fell from 60 percent in 2020 to 57 percent in 2026. haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · udgtv.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The 2026 Latinobarometro survey found 65 percent of respondents in 17 countries view China as a positive influence. haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · udgtv.com
[● 4 SOURCES] President Donald Trump has implemented an interventionist policy in Latin America termed the ‘Donroe Doctrine’. haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · udgtv.com
[● 4 SOURCES] 57 percent of respondents in the survey view the United States as a positive influence. haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · udgtv.com
[● 4 SOURCES] 57 percent of respondents view the United States' influence as positive. haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · udgtv.com
[● 4 SOURCES] 65 percent of respondents in 17 Latin American countries view China's influence as positive. haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · udgtv.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The United States maintains a higher overall favorable opinion (63 percent) compared to China (58-59 percent). haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · udgtv.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Latinobarometro director Marta Lagos stated that China fills a gap in consumer affordability through lower prices. udgtv.com