China and Russia Expand Their Influence in Latin America and the Caribbean

China and Russia are actively expanding their geopolitical and economic influence within the Latin American and Caribbean region, an area traditionally viewed as Washington's backyard. Since beginning his second term in January 2025, US President Donald Trump has focused on strengthening US influence in the Western Hemisphere, yet both Beijing and Moscow continue to deepen their diplomatic, economic, and strategic footprints across the region through various initiatives and historic ties.

In Beijing, the China Public Diplomacy Association hosted an event in October to mark the anniversary of its Global Governance Initiative, emphasizing youth and content creators as bridges to build a shared future with the region. China's strategy relies on five major programs covering solidarity, development, civilization, peace, and people-to-people connectivity, supported by policy documents and trade initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. Meanwhile, Russia leverages Soviet-era relationships, political objectives, and military cooperation with nations such as Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to counter Western pressure and sanctions.

Experts note that Beijing and Moscow could potentially combine their strengths to enhance their activities in the region, such as pursuing mineral resource projects together in Bolivia, where agreements have been made regarding lithium reserves. Both nations also coordinate to bypass Western sanctions through de-dollarization efforts, oil and gas deals with Venezuela, and currency swaps in Argentina. Additionally, Nicaragua maintains strong partnerships with both countries, granting Chinese mining companies control over vast territories, as Moscow and Beijing use their regional expansion to deplete US resources elsewhere.