In the initial weeks of his second term, newly re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump has demonstrated a keen interest in various regions across the globe. Naturally, America's closest neighbors are among his top priorities.
Since Barack Obama's presidency, U.S. presidents and top officials have been announcing a confrontation with China. According to official U.S. documents and presidential statements, often later categorized under the term "doctrine," China is the only country capable and willing to challenge Washington globally on political, technological, and ideological fronts.
China is indeed doing so, though it often appears to avoid confrontations with the U.S. while calling for peace and cooperation. In international relations theory, it is common for the leading global power to be replaced by its closest rival after some form of clash, usually a war. However, China has a different strategy, which has been successful so far. For decades, impoverished China relied on its large population and cheap labor, eventually transforming into a global power capable of competing with the U.S. in various fields.
America’s Backyard
For two centuries, the United States has adhered to the Monroe Doctrine, which asserts that any European interference in North and South America would be considered an act of hostility by Washington. President James Monroe was already mapping out the geopolitical landscape of a world emerging with the decline of old European colonial powers. Consequently, the U.S. systematically ousted Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal from its "backyard" through various means.
Trump's recent actions upon re-entering the White House last month suggest that he still considers this region America's backyard. A closer look at the territories he has referenced confirms his intention to consolidate control over these areas, even if, as many predict, the U.S. under Trump moves toward a form of isolationism.
He has demanded Greenland from Denmark and the Panama Canal from Panama, not ruling out the use of military force. He then called for Canada to become a U.S. federal state, referring to the Canadian prime minister as a governor. Trump also threatened Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil with sanctions and tariffs, Venezuela with military intervention, and at the southern tip of South America, Argentine President Javier Milei does not question the idea that Washington should dictate terms while China or any other power has no place in the region.
That this struggle is ongoing and escalating was confirmed last week by China. Notably, Beijing’s response was uncharacteristically bold, confrontational, and direct, making it even more significant.
"Latin America belongs to the people of Latin America and is not anyone's backyard," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. "China supports Latin American countries in preserving their sovereignty, independence, and national dignity and supports Bolivia in defending its legitimate rights and interests. China will always be a reliable friend and partner to Latin America," he added. His statement was published by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Wang Yi made these remarks at the United Nations last week during a meeting with Bolivia's foreign minister. Celinda Sosa Lunda, along with many leftists across Latin America, was eager to hear this assurance—that their countries would receive Chinese support, particularly in technology, and that China's market would remain open to their products. During the UN gathering, Celinda Sosa Lunda stated, "We are fighting for a transition to a multipolar world."
This statement was not just diplomatic rhetoric; it was music to Beijing’s ears and a boost for the government in La Paz. The Bolivian News Agency (ABI) recently reported, not coincidentally, on two previously signed agreements allowing the Chinese consortium CBC, a subsidiary of CATL, access to Bolivia's lithium reserves. Bolivia, home to some of the world's largest lithium reserves, has partnered with CATL, the world's leading lithium battery manufacturer. The same ABI article noted that Russia's Uranium One Group, part of the state corporation Rosatom, has a similar agreement with Bolivia. Awarding critical industry contracts to China and Russia signals Bolivia's intent to resist Washington’s influence, opening doors for Beijing and Moscow to strengthen their foothold in Latin America.
A statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry following Wang Yi's meeting with the Bolivian diplomat highlighted that China welcomed Bolivia as a new partner in BRICS.
Trump vs. China
Wang's statements were not just intended for impoverished Bolivia. Beijing is reaching out to Latin America, particularly leftist-led countries that have historically resisted Washington's dictates. This includes major nations like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, which collectively have nearly 400 million people—more than the combined populations of the U.S. and Canada.
Newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made his first trip in office to Panama, attempting to "persuade" its government to cut ties with China and protect the Panama Canal from Chinese influence. After meeting with Rubio, Panamanian President Jose Raul Molino announced that Panama would not renew its participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative, an agreement nearing expiration.
Thus, Central America unexpectedly became a focal point of global attention, placing these small, economically struggling nations in a position to choose between two superpowers.
By appointing Rubio as Secretary of State, Trump underscored his commitment to Latin America. Rubio, from a Cuban exile family, speaks Spanish fluently and, as a U.S. senator, was a staunch opponent of Cuba, China, and anything remotely associated with communism and leftist ideologies. In other words, Rubio has a well-defined perspective on Latin America, politically, culturally, and in every other aspect.
Rubio’s interest in Latin America and China aligns perfectly with Trump’s strategy of containing Beijing. While logic suggests that containment should occur near China's borders, Beijing has instead strengthened its presence near U.S. borders. Thus, Rubio must begin countering China in America's neighborhood, where the Asian superpower has gained significant ground by capitalizing on long-standing regional resistance to U.S. hegemony.
Chinese Investments
China is now South America's largest trading partner and is deeply involved in all aspects of the region's economy. Chinese investments span from basic trade to the construction of ports, roads, and railways, as well as ventures in communications, energy, and rare metals. In recent decades, Chinese weapons have also entered the region, and the Chinese diaspora continues to grow. Consequently, Chinese state-owned enterprises have become major investors in America's "backyard," causing unease in Washington.
President Joseph Biden labeled China a "strategic competitor" in the Americas but did not focus much on the region. His presidency was dominated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leaving Latin America below the radar—an opportunity China seized.
However, as the war in Ukraine winds down and Washington shifts focus to confronting China, Trump is expected to intensify engagement with America’s immediate neighbors. This explains his aggressive stance toward Mexico and Colombia, aiming to demonstrate his willingness to push back against China.
Yet, this will not be an easy task. China’s rise in Latin America has been swift. Since joining the World Trade Organization in 2001, Beijing has deepened its ties with the region. At the start of the 21st century, less than 2% of Latin America's exports went to China; now, the figure has increased dozens of times for many nations. According to Chinese government data, trade between China and Latin America reached $450 billion, with projections to rise to $700 billion in the coming years.
Trump's administration will focus on confronting China, and the Americas will be a key battleground. Numerous countries may face U.S. sanctions—Trump’s preferred foreign policy tool. Some nations are already under sanctions yet remain aligned with China, as Beijing has consistently kept its doors open whenever Washington has closed them.
The article was previously published on PISJournal.net.
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