Archive · 12 Jan 2026
US targets China's Latin America influence
President Trump is trying to increase US influence in Latin America, where China has been growing its presence for years.
China has been investing in the region, buying oil, minerals, and building infrastructure.
Trump has been making moves to limit China's influence, like taking control of Venezuela's oil and threatening to take back the Panama Canal.
China is worried about these moves and some Chinese companies are pausing their investments.
Many Latin American countries rely on China for trade and investment, and it's not clear if the US can offer as much support.
Some countries have even criticized Trump's actions in Venezuela, which might make them closer to China.
China has significantly increased its economic presence in Latin America over the past two decades, with bilateral trade reaching $500 billion in 2024.
China is a major importer of Latin American commodities like oil, copper, and soybeans, and has invested heavily in infrastructure and development projects.
President Trump has been taking steps to counter China's influence, including a military raid in Venezuela and threats to take control of the Panama Canal.
China is concerned about these moves and some Chinese companies have paused investments in the region, citing political uncertainty.
Latin American countries are caught in the middle, with some criticizing Trump's actions and others relying on China for trade and investment.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump and China
- What
- Competition for influence in Latin America
- When
- Ongoing, with recent escalation
- Where
- Latin America, particularly Venezuela, Ecuador, and Brazil
- Why
- To secure economic and political dominance in the region
- China-Latin America trade
- $500 billion in 2024
- Venezuela's oil exports to China
- 768,000 barrels per day in 2023
- China's aid to Latin America
- $303 billion between 2000-2023
- China's investment vs. US in Latin America
- 3:1 ratio between 2014-2023
- China's copper mine project in Ecuador
- Put on hold due to political situation
Sources
Trump is making a power play in Latin America, but China is already there
Make a deal before it’s too late: Trump warns Cuba after Venezuela operation
With Venezuela raid, US tells China to keep away from the Americas
Maduro’s capture: A blow to Beijing’s long-term influence in Latin America
With Venezuela raid, US tells China to keep away from the Americas
'We Don’t Want You There': With Venezuela Raid, US Tells China to Keep Away From the Americas
