Summit on China’s Influence in Latin America Planned by Trump
President Donald Trump has reportedly extended an invitation to Argentina’s Javier Milei and several other allied leaders in the region for a summit on March 7. The purpose of this meeting is to address concerns about China’s growing presence in Latin America, as reported by Argentine media outlets.
According to officials from the Argentine government, Trump’s summit will take place in Miami, Florida. Alongside Milei, the guest list includes Santiago Peña from Paraguay, Rodrigo Paz from Bolivia, Nayib Bukele from El Salvador, Daniel Novoa from Ecuador, and Nasry Asufura from Honduras, all of whom lead U.S.-friendly governments.
This gathering aims to counter “Xi Jinping’s plans to dominate Latin America’s natural resources, food production, and significant trade routes,” as detailed by a report from Infobae.
The White House’s strategy will involve collaboration with Latin American allies to impede contracts that favor China—particularly those that could enhance mineral reserves, bolster food security, and improve military intelligence and infrastructure geared toward international trade.
Milei has not confirmed his attendance yet, but he is likely to accept, especially since the summit is timed just days before Argentina Week, an investment trade fair in New York from March 9 to 11, where he is expected to participate.
While specifics about the summit remain limited, Argentine outlets emphasized that this meeting is aligned with Trump’s broader “Don Roe Doctrine,” which aims to reaffirm U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere and mitigate China’s expansion.
As noted, this strategy includes a focus on trade and access to vital minerals within the region, redefining parts of the original Monroe Doctrine.
Furthermore, the upcoming Miami summit is anticipated to underscore the ideological divide in Latin America, separating U.S.-aligned countries like Argentina, Paraguay, and others from Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, which maintain robust trade ties with China without openly challenging its authoritarian practices. As the date approaches, there may be additional invitations extended to Latin American leaders who have favorable relations with Washington.
Recently, over 50 nations participated in a conference on critical minerals, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the establishment of the Forum on Resources and Geopolitical Engagement. Vice President JD Vance also advocated for a critical mineral trade zone to reduce reliance on China, with Argentina, Paraguay, and Ecuador signing a memorandum of understanding on mineral resources with the U.S.
Milei has previously praised Trump’s leadership in a video message, even though he canceled his in-person attendance at a related event due to scheduling conflicts. This month, the U.S. and Argentina bolstered their economic relationship by signing the Reciprocal Trade and Investment Agreement, which grants American products preferential access to the Argentine market across various sectors.
