Columnist Alex Lo writes that the US has reverted to imperialism in Latin America under President Donald Trump's administration, using "gunboat diplomacy" and outright imperialist methods to undermine regional sovereignty. The article highlights a recent deal between the US and Venezuela, which grants Washington control over 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves and involves the privatization of Venezuela's energy sector, previously socialist policy. This development is seen as a shift towards a more aggressive approach by the US in the region, exemplified by the January military raid on Caracas that killed 80 people, including Cuban security personnel. The article notes that Washington has taken a direct stake in a private oil producer chosen for the deal with Venezuela.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-05,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
China's trade with Latin America reached a record $518.4 billion in 2024, marking a significant shift in regional economics. Beijing is now the largest bilateral creditor and second-largest trading partner of Latin America and the Caribbean. In contrast, the US has taken a more aggressive approach under President Donald Trump, employing "gunboat diplomacy" and undermining international law to exert its influence. This strategy was evident in a January military raid on Caracas, which captured Venezuela's attention. Meanwhile, Chinese investment in Latin America has shifted from extractive industries to clean energy and manufacturing, with electric vehicle production expanding in Brazil and Chinese-made vehicles dominating Ecuador's market by 57%. To further solidify its presence, President Xi Jinping pledged a new credit line of $9.2 billion at the 2025 China-Celac forum.
Written for “US Return to Imperialism” on 2026-09-05,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
Why this leaning score
The article's own words the score was based on. Each is quoted
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Washington’s response under President Donald Trump has not been subtle.
left sets a negative tone towards the US
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the administration has reverted to traditional gunboat diplomacy under the so-called Donroe Doctrine.
left labels US actions as 'gunboat diplomacy'
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Washington has been employing outright imperialist methods that undermine international law and the sovereign interests of America’s neighbours in the region.
left accuses US of imperialism
Leaning score -0.75 for article 4343 (high confidence, 3 verified quotes) · logged 2026-09-05
Alex Lo has been an SCMP columnist since 2012, commenting on China and international affairs.
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Lo → comment → China
When China’s trade with Latin America reached a record US$518.4 billion in 2024, it marked a fundamental shift in hemispheric economics.
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it → reach → economics
Beijing is now the largest bilateral creditor and second largest trading partner of Latin America and the Caribbean, with President Xi Jinping pledging a new credit line of 66 billion yuan (US$9.2 billion) at the 2025 China-Celac (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) forum.
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Jinping → trade → forum
Chinese investment has evolved from extractive industries towards clean energy and manufacturing, with electric vehicle production expanding across Brazil and Chinese-made vehicles capturing 57 per cent of Ecuador’s market by the first half of this year.
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vehicles → evolve → year
Rather than competing economically, the administration has reverted to traditional gunboat diplomacy under the so-called Donroe Doctrine.
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administration → compete → Doctrine
Washington has been employing outright imperialist methods that undermine international law and the sovereign interests of America’s neighbours in the region.
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that → employ → region
The January military raid on Caracas that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro exemplifies this approach.
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that → capture → approach
Operation Absolute Resolve killed about 80 people, including 32 Cuban security personnel, with no American casualties.
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Resolve → kill → casualties
Maduro is being put on a show trial in New York while the US has secured effective control over 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves through a deal granting Washington 55 per cent of output from 17 oilfields over 100 years.
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US → put → years
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who once denounced foreign colonialism, signed legislation privatising the energy sector – reversing two decades of socialist policy – under evident American pressure.
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who → denounce → pressure
Washington doesn’t even bother to hide the true intention behind the violent regime change.
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Washington → bother → change
The Pentagon is expected to take a direct stake in the parent of North American Blue Energy Partners, the private oil producer hand-picked by Washington for the deal.
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Pentagon → expect → deal
