A new picture of global influence in Latin America

Latin America poll results point to a striking shift in how the region views global powers. According to a 2026 survey released by Latinobarometro, a Chile-based civil society organization, 65% of respondents in 17 countries said they viewed China’s influence positively. On the same question, the share saying they viewed the United States positively stood at 57%.

The survey showed that for the first time since polling began in 1995, China has moved ahead of the United States on this measure. Positive views of China have risen from 48% in 2020, while favorable perceptions of the U.S. have fallen from 60% over the same period.

  • Share viewing China’s global influence positively: 65%
  • Share viewing the U.S. global influence positively: 57%
  • Countries where the U.S. is viewed more positively than China: Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic

Results come amid Washington’s regional policy push

The poll was released at a time when the Donald Trump administration in its second presidential term has been working to strengthen Washington’s influence in Latin America. The report said that approach has been marked especially by a more visible use of military power.

In that context, attacks were carried out on vessels accused of drug trafficking in the region. Human rights groups described the operations as extrajudicial killings. The survey also took place against the backdrop of the reported abduction of then-Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces in Brazil. Trump described this approach as the

“Donroe Doctrine”
.

Overall U.S. favorability remains higher, while Maduro operation divides opinion

Although China came out ahead on global influence, the overall picture was different when respondents were asked about the two countries more broadly. A total of 63% said they had a positive view of the United States, compared with 58% for China. Still, the decline in favorable views of the U.S. from 73% in 2024 stood out.

Respondents were also asked about the seizure of Maduro by the U.S. military. In every country except Argentina, a majority backed the operation. Views were more divided, however, on what it would mean for Venezuela: 35% said removing Maduro would benefit the country, while 28% said it would do harm. According to the survey, Venezuelans were among the groups most likely to view U.S. influence positively.

How the poll was conducted

The 2026 Latinobarometro survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with about 19,200 people in 17 countries between May 7 and June 17. The poll’s margin of error was given as 1%.