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Donroe Doctrine Backfires: China's Influence Outpaces US in Latin America, Poll Reveals
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News18•03-10-2026, 05:16
Donroe Doctrine Backfires: China's Influence Outpaces US in Latin America, Poll Reveals
- •A recent Latinobarometro survey indicates that China's influence in Latin America is now viewed more positively than that of the United States, marking a significant shift since the survey began in 1995.
- •The 2026 survey, based on nearly 19,200 interviews across 17 countries, found 65% of respondents viewed China's influence positively, a sharp increase from 48% in 2020, while 57% viewed US influence positively, down from 60% six years ago.
- •Marta Lagos, director of Latinobarómetro, attributes this shift to Latin America's closer ties with other global powers and China's provision of cheaper imports, filling a "void in people's pockets."
- •Despite the perception of influence, the US remains more popular as a country, with 63% having a favorable view compared to 58% for China, though US favorability has declined from 73% in 2024.
- •The findings emerge as US President Donald Trump promotes greater American influence in the region under his "Donroe Doctrine," highlighting changing dynamics in the Western Hemisphere.
Key Questions Answered
The 2026 Latinobarometro survey revealed that 65% of respondents viewed China's influence positively, marking the first time Beijing overtook Washington since the survey began in 1995. Meanwhile, 57% of respondents viewed US influence positively, which is a decline from 60% six years ago.
According to the Latinobarometro survey, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic were the only two countries in the region where US influence was viewed more positively than China's.
Although China surpassed the US regarding regional influence, the US remains more popular as a country itself, with 63% of respondents expressing a favourable view compared to 58% for China. However, the US country favorability figure declined from 73% in 2024.
