China Viewed More Positively than U.S. as Influence in Latin America, Poll Shows

China's influence in Latin America is now viewed more positively than that of the United States, according to the 2026 Latinobarómetro survey of 17 countries.

China's influence is viewed more positively than that of the United States in Latin America for the first time since 1995, according to a regional survey.

It marked the first time since the annual survey began in 1995 that China surpassed the United States on this measure, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

The survey found that 65% of respondents considered China's influence positive, compared with 57% who said the same of the United States. China's figure rose from 48% in 2020, while the U.S. figure fell from 60% over the same period.

Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic were the only countries surveyed where respondents viewed U.S. influence more positively than China's.

The report attributed part of the shift to what it described as Washington's "almost complete absence" from the region during the two decades following the 2003 Iraq War.

During that period, Latin American countries strengthened ties with other powers, including China, the European Union and Japan.

Marta Lagos, director of Latinobarómetro, told AFP that China had won support among Latin Americans partly by providing access to cheaper imports.

The changing perception comes during U.S. President Donald Trump's second term, as his administration has sought to strengthen Washington's influence in Latin America. Trump has described his approach as the "Donroe Doctrine."

Despite China's stronger rating on influence, the United States remained more popular when respondents were asked about their overall views of the two countries.

Some 63% expressed a favorable opinion of the United States, compared with 58% for China. The U.S. figure was down from 73% in 2024.

The 2026 Latinobarómetro survey was based on about 19,200 face-to-face interviews conducted in 17 countries between May 7 and June 17, with a reported margin of error of one percentage point.