Shift in Regional Influence
China’s influence in Latin America is now viewed more positively than that of the United States, according to a major poll conducted in 17 Latin American countries. The 2026 Latinobarometro survey indicated that China overtook the United States as a positive influence for the first time since the annual survey began in 1995.
The data shows that 65% of respondents considered China a positive influence, up from 48% six years ago. In comparison, 57% of respondents considered the United States to be a positive influence, down from 60% in 2020.
Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic were the only countries where US influence was deemed more positive than China’s.
Survey Methodology and Popularity Metrics
The 2026 survey was based on approximately 19,200 face-to-face interviews carried out in 17 countries between May 7 and June 17. The poll has a margin of error of 1%.
While China leads in perceived influence, the United States remains more popular than China as a country. Sixty-three percent of respondents held a favorable view of the US compared to 58% for China. However, US popularity dropped from 73% in 2024 during the administration of Democratic president Joe Biden.
Attribution and Economic Factors
Marta Lagos, director of Latinobarometer, attributed the shift partly to Washington’s “almost complete absence” from the region in the two decades after the 2003 Iraq War.
Lagos said China won over populations by allowing access to cheaper imports, noting that “the void that China fills is the void in people’s pockets.”
Political Context and Regional Reactions
The report described Trump’s “Donroe Doctrine” as a push to restore US dominance, blending Trump’s name with that of James Monroe.
In January, the United States overthrew Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. A majority of people in all but one country—Argentina—approved of Maduro’s capture by US special forces. Only 35% considered the capture benefited Venezuela, while 28% said it harmed the country.
Citizens of Venezuela viewed US influence most positively.