Trump Hosts 'Shield of the Americas' Summit

President Donald Trump hosted the 'Shield of the Americas' summit in Miami with Latin American leaders to reassert U.S. foreign policy focus on the Western Hemisphere. Key objectives included countering Chinese economic encroachment, combating drug cartels, and addressing the situation in Venezuela following the U.S. operation to capture Nicolás Maduro. The summit also touched upon the ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran and future U.S. policy towards Cuba. Notably absent were Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. The U.S. emphasized a more muscular approach, exemplified by Panama's withdrawal from China's Belt and Road Initiative. Experts noted the contrast between this limited summit and previous, more inclusive regional gatherings, highlighting the growing U.S.-China rivalry in the region.