Trump Pressures Latin American Leaders to Limit China Ties

The former president takes aggressive steps to curb China's growing economic influence in the region.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 3:37am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Trump administration has taken forceful steps in recent weeks to pressure Latin American countries to limit their ties with China. This includes imposing travel bans on Chilean officials, warning Peru against ceding control of a Chinese-built port, and seizing ports in Panama that were run by a Hong Kong company. Trump is hosting a summit with Latin American leaders at his Florida resort this weekend, dubbed the 'Shield of the Americas,' as part of his effort to restore U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere and counter what the White House sees as China's malign influence.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's aggressive actions reflect growing U.S. concerns about China's rising economic and diplomatic influence in Latin America, a region traditionally seen as within America's sphere of influence. The U.S. is worried that China's investments and trade deals in the region could help shift the global balance of power in Beijing's favor.

The details

The Trump administration has taken a range of measures targeting China's presence in Latin America. This includes imposing travel bans on three Chilean officials over a planned submarine fiber optic cable project with China, warning Peru against ceding control of a Chinese-built mega port, and pressuring Panama to seize two ports run by a Hong Kong company. The U.S. also saw an opportunity to target China's interests in Venezuela when it captured President Nicolás Maduro in January. Overall, the White House is seeking to deny 'non-Hemispheric competitors the ability to position forces or other threatening capabilities, or to own or control strategically vital assets, in our Hemisphere.'

  • In recent weeks, the Trump administration has taken these forceful steps against China's influence in Latin America.
  • Trump is hosting a summit with Latin American leaders at his Florida resort this weekend, dubbed the 'Shield of the Americas.'

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is leading the effort to counter China's growing influence in Latin America.

Nicolás Maduro

The former president of Venezuela whose capture by the U.S. has left China's extensive interests in the oil-rich country suddenly vulnerable.

China

The country whose growing economic and diplomatic influence in Latin America is seen as a threat by the Trump administration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Trump's approach is making hedging increasingly difficult. The most likely outcome is a more fragmented region. Right-leaning governments will align more closely with Washington, while left-leaning governments will maintain or deepen ties with China. Countries caught in the middle will try to manage the tension case by case.”

— Francisco Urdinez, Associate Professor, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (Associated Press)

“President Trump is right to focus on defending the Western Hemisphere from China. President Trump has made it clear we stand with our friends in the region against China's efforts to undermine America's interests.”

— Rep. John Moolenaar, Chair, House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.