Survey Finds Latin America Views China More Favorably Than the US

Positive View of China in Latin America

A recent survey conducted by Latinobarometro has revealed a significant shift in the perception of global influence in Latin America. The poll, which included responses from 17 different countries, found that 65% of participants favorably view China as a positive global influence, juxtaposed against 57% who feel the same about the United States. This change marks the first time since the survey's inception in 1995 that China is seen more favorably than the US.

Shift in Perceptions

Support for China's influence has grown considerably since the 2020 survey, where only 48% of respondents expressed a positive view. In contrast, the US saw a decline from 60% in 2020 to its current standing of 57%. Notably, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica are the only countries where respondents rated American influence higher than Chinese.

The insight comes as the political landscape in the region continues to change, with the United States attempting to strengthen its relations and influence in Latin America during the second term of President Donald Trump. His administration's military strategies have shown a clear inclination toward exerting power over regional affairs, particularly in Venezuela.

Opinions on US Military Actions

The poll also probed opinions surrounding the controversial US military capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. A majority across most countries, except Argentina, approved of this military action. However, opinions varied regarding the operation’s outcomes for Venezuela itself; while 35% believed it had benefited the nation, 28% argued it was detrimental.

Interestingly, Venezuelans emerged as one of the groups most favorable to US influence, despite the complexities surrounding the US's military presence in the region.

Overall Views of the US and China

Despite the more favorable view of China's influence compared to the US, the survey indicates that 63% of respondents still hold a positive opinion of the US, outpacing China's 58%. However, the favorability of the US has dropped from 73% in 2024, suggesting a growing skepticism regarding its role in the region.

The 2026 Latinobarometro survey sampled approximately 19,200 participants through face-to-face interviews conducted between May 7 and June 17, with a margin of error of 1%. This data reflects an evolving narrative about global influence in Latin America, emphasizing the changing tides of international relationships.