Trump's Donroe Doctrine Aims to Counter China's Influence in Western Hemisphere

Administration officials argue the aggressive policy unites the Republican foreign policy coalition.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Trump administration's 'Donroe Doctrine' in the Western Hemisphere is seen as an effort to counter China's growing influence in the region. While the policy may achieve short-term compliance from countries, experts warn it could damage long-term relations and open the door for deeper Chinese engagement. The administration has taken an aggressive stance toward China globally, but has been more willing to confront it directly in Latin America, where it sees an opportunity to push back against Beijing's economic and political inroads.

Why it matters

The Donroe Doctrine represents a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward more overt confrontation with China, particularly in its own backyard of the Western Hemisphere. This aggressive approach aims to limit China's influence, but risks alienating regional partners and driving them closer to Beijing over the long term.

The details

The Trump administration has taken an increasingly hard line toward China, with top officials labeling it the 'biggest threat' to the U.S. However, the administration has been more willing to directly confront China in the Western Hemisphere, where it sees an opportunity to push back against Beijing's growing economic and political influence in the region. This 'Donroe Doctrine' - a reference to the Monroe Doctrine that asserted U.S. dominance in the Americas - has included measures like ramping up tariffs on China and pressuring Latin American countries to limit ties with Beijing.

  • In October 2024, Trump administration officials like Colby and Vance gave speeches warning about the threat posed by China.
  • In May, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned about China's 'massive military build-up and growing willingness to use military force' at a gathering of defense ministers in Singapore.
  • In the Trump administration's first months, it took an aggressive stance toward China, ratcheting up tariffs as high as 145 percent.

The players

Leland Lazarus

Former special assistant to the head of U.S. Southern Command, who warned that the Trump administration's 'heavy-handed policies may push countries to acquiesce to U.S. demands in the short term, but in the long term it could burn bridges with the region that will absolutely open up opportunities for China going forward.'

Mark Carney

Prime Minister of Canada, who visited Beijing last month, the first Canadian leader to do so in nearly a decade, as Canada has turned to China to diversify trade ties away from the U.S.

Eliot Colby

A Trump administration official who, in a speech at Dartmouth University in October 2024, said 'we need to prioritize the potential for a conflict with China precisely in order to avoid it.'

Pete Hegseth

Defense Secretary under the Trump administration, who warned a gathering of defense ministers in Singapore in May about Beijing's 'massive military build-up and growing willingness to use military force to achieve its goals.'

Jair Milei

The leader of the government in Argentina, which still has a Chinese satellite ground station despite the administration's efforts to push back against China's influence in the region.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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.