China a better influence in Latin America than US: poll

Live updates

1. 48m ago

   Poll Shows Latin Americans Prefer China to US Influence

   For the first time, a major public opinion survey shows that Latin Americans view China as a more positive global influence than the United States. According to a Latinobarómetro poll conducted across 17 Latin American countries, 65 percent of respondents favor China, while 57 percent hold a positive view of the United States. The shift highlights growing economic and diplomatic ground gained by Beijing in the region, affecting sectors from agriculture to critical mineral investments, and coincides with a high-stakes presidential runoff election in Brazil.

   Why it matters

   The poll results underscore a broader competition for supremacy between the United States and China over trade, mining capital, and agricultural markets in South and Central America. Washington faces mounting challenges to its regional standing as Beijing expands its footprint in critical mineral supply chains, including Brazil's growing lithium pipeline. This geopolitical friction intersects with regional domestic politics, notably as conservative forces challenge incumbent leftist leaders in crucial national votes.

   What is confirmed

   • A poll conducted across 17 Latin American countries showed that 65 percent of people view China's influence positively, compared to 57 percent for the United States.
   • Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro will face President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a presidential election runoff after securing roughly 47 percent of valid votes in the first round.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A victory by Flavio Bolsonaro in Brazil's presidential runoff would hand US President Donald Trump an ideological ally and strengthen Washington's hand in countering Chinese influence.

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of the high-stakes Brazilian presidential runoff election between Flavio Bolsonaro and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
   • Future US and Chinese investment strategies regarding critical minerals and lithium pipelines in Latin America
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. yahoo.com — China a better influence in Latin America than US: poll
   2. The Economist — For the first time Latin Americans prefer China to America
   3. aljazeera.com — Latin America sees China as more positive global influence than US: Poll
   4. news.cgtn.com — Latin Americans increasingly favor China in past two years, The Economist survey finds
   5. Roper Center for Public Opinion Research — Analysis: Winning Trade Without Winning Hearts
   6. Rare Earth Exchanges — Latin America Critical Minerals China vs US Investment
   7. The Economist — Measuring the Trump effect in Latin America
   8. Crux Investor — US-China Mining Capital Race Highlights Brazil’s Growing Lithium Pipeline
   9. Agrolatam — China Is Gaining Ground in Latin America-and U.S. Agriculture Is Watching
   10. www.foxnews.com — Latin America’s conservative shift faces its biggest test yet in Brazil election
   11. www.thestar.com.my — Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Sunday (Oct 4, 2026) | The Star
   12. www.marketscreener.com — Brazilians head to polls in high-stakes, polarized election | MarketScreener
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