By Zoila Palma: In December 2025, China released its policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean aiming for continued support and pledging assistance for countries in the region in areas such as infrastructure and education.
But, China faces a complex challenge in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) marked by intensifying U.S.-China strategic competition.
Donald Trump’s return to the White House sharpened geopolitical tensions, with Washington moving aggressively to counter Beijing’s growing influence through tariffs, scrutiny of Chinese-linked infrastructure, and renewed assertions of U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
U.S. pressure has been accompanied by growing political consequences across the region.
Relations with China became a defining issue in the 2025–2026 electoral cycle in countries such as Bolivia, Argentina, Honduras, and Chile, with upcoming elections in Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia, Haiti, and Brazil likely to extend this trend, the China Global South project noted.
In addition, the January 3, U.S. operation that led to the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro highlighted Washington’s willingness to use force to enforce its strategic vision, sidelining China and leaving many LAC states caught between rival powers.
Beijing’s most recent policy paper reaffirms equality, multipolarity, and opposition to unilateral bullying.
The document places China’s four global initiatives alongside the Belt and Road Initiative as the foundation of engagement, while allowing flexibility for LAC countries to interpret cooperation on their own terms.
Despite recent shocks, the paper signals continuity, even as China re-strategizes its approach in the wake of heightened U.S. assertiveness.
But, strong U.S. opposition, regional political shifts, and growing concerns over debt and dependency suggest that China’s influence will face increasing resistance.
The post International News: China’s engagement in Latin America and Caribbean could continue despite mounting U.S. pressure appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: In December 2025, China released its policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean aiming for continued support and pledging assistance for countries in the region in areas such as infrastructure and education. But, China faces a complex challenge in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) marked by intensifying U.S.-China strategic competition.
The post International News: China’s engagement in Latin America and Caribbean could continue despite mounting U.S. pressure appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
