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Ecuador
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Ecuador. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A US Air Force F22-Raptor takes off from the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico on January 4. Photo: AFP
United States

US’ FAA warns airlines to ‘potential risks’ in Mexican, South American airspace

The warnings come a month after a JetBlue passenger jet almost collided with a US Air Force tanker plane near Venezuela ‌.

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China-Latin America relations

China seeks greater influence in US backyard

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong is stepping up its competitiveness in aviation

China technology

Opinion | Why the Global South is embracing Chinese AI

The US champions AI as an autonomous agent, a content creator. China exports a vision of AI as a digital nervous system for the real economy.

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The Chinese approach, forged in the fires of domestic industrial competition, views AI as “relational infrastructure”: a connective tissue for physical systems. It is designed to get its hands dirty, such as in mining, ports and factories. Photo: Adobe Stock
Americas and the Caribbean

Venezuela’s Machado will not receive Nobel Peace Prize in person

The Venezuelan opposition figure, who has been in hiding for over a year, will have her daughter accept the award in Norway.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong signs aviation deals with 7 countries to expand global reach

Transport chief Mable Chan says deals reached with mostly Latin American nations, while Airport Authority CEO calls for more investment to manage risks.

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China-Latin America relations

Colombia pushes for talks – to include China – over US military action in region

Petro steps up rhetoric as biggest US aircraft carrier backs an anti-drug operation near Venezuela; the latest strikes face legal questions.

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Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for a high-level security meeting with the United States, China and regional partners to discuss the growing tension in the region. Photo: AFP
Americas and the Caribbean

Ecuador voters reject return of US bases, in blow to Trump ally Noboa

Vote effectively blocks the US from returning to an airbase that was once a hub for its anti-drug operations.

Donald Trump

Trump cuts tariffs on beef, coffee and other foods, in inflation U-turn

The move marks a sharp reversal from the US president, who has insisted that his import duties are not fuelling higher grocery prices.

United States

Bananas and beef: White House unveils Latin America trade deals

Argentina, Guatemala, Ecuador and El Salvador have agreed to open their markets to US products in exchange for tariff relief on some items.

Handlers shake hands at the livestock market in Canuelas, Argentina’s main cattle trading hub, in October. Photo: AP
Americas and the Caribbean

At least 31 dead in riot-hit Ecuador prison, many asphyxiated

The deadly day at Machala’s prison marked the latest spasm of prison unrest in the South American country.

An ambulance at the entrance of the prison in Machala, Ecuador. Photo: AFP
Americas and the Caribbean

Ecuador’s president says he was target of attempted poisoning

It is the second time that Daniel Noboa’s administration has alleged an attempt on the president’s life.

Colombia

Trump threatens Colombia with tariffs and slashes aid, calls Petro a ‘drug leader’

Trump warned that the US would ‘close up’ Colombia’s drug operations, just as Petro condemned a US strike as ‘murder’.

Americas and the Caribbean

Survivors of US strike on ‘drug vessel’ to be sent back to Ecuador, Colombia

The pair were picked up by the US military after American forces attacked a submersible vessel in the Caribbean.

The Pentagon on Saturday posted a short video of the strike on an alleged drug-carrying submersible in the Caribbean. Image: US Department of Defence
Americas and the Caribbean

Ecuador president’s motorcade attacked by crowd throwing rocks, possible gunfire

At least five were arrested after President Noboa’s black SUV showed signs of suspected bullet damage.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa next to the vehicle that was hit by objects. Photo: Ecuadorian Presidency via AFP
China-Latin America relations

China joining South American bloc boosts AI and EV industries: analysts

Observer status in the Andean Community is expected to help Beijing deepen ‘its strategic presence in the Global South’ amid Trump’s tariffs.

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US-China relations

Xi-Trump phone call, Beijing’s military parade: 7 US-China relations reads

From businesses decimated by tariffs to global order fracturing, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in September 2025.

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Americas and the Caribbean

14 killed as rival Ecuadoran inmates fight with guns, explosives

Police said the violence was the result of ‘fighting between gangs’ in a facility housing double the number of inmates it was designed for.

Police officers stand guard outside the main prison in Machala, Ecuador on Monday. Photo: AFP
SCMP Highlights

Chinese defence minister’s speech, US Fed cuts rates: SCMP daily highlights

From China’s job market woes to the US Fed cutting interest rates, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Belt and Road Initiative

Ex-Ecuador president calls bribery case over belt and road dam a ‘farce’

Lenin Moreno says corruption accusations are a vendetta orchestrated by former president and rival Rafael Correa.

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Americas and the Caribbean

US says Venezuelan aircraft flew over navy vessel in international waters

Pentagon calls the incident ‘highly provocative’ and warns Venezuela not to interfere with US counter-narcotics operations.

The USS Sampson departing Panama on Tuesday. The US has sent several ships carrying some 4,000 sailors and Marines to the Caribbean. Photo: EPA
United States

Rubio pledges US aid for Ecuador, to ‘wage war’ on gangs in drug fight

The move, which includes US$20 million in security aid and drones, aims to bolster Ecuador’s fight against drug cartels.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) meets Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa at the presidential palace in Quito on Thursday. Photo: AP
US-China relations

China warns US over military build-up as warships head towards Venezuela

Stance highlights Beijing’s alignment with Caracas as the Trump administration escalates its pressure campaign.

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Crime

Ecuador extradites notorious drug lord ‘Fito’ to US

Gang leader Adolfo Macias escaped from a prison in Ecuador last year and was recaptured late June.

Americas and the Caribbean

Ecuador recaptures most-wanted gang leader ‘Fito’ in army operation

Notorious drug lord, whose 2024 escape triggered widespread violence, was apprehended after a months-long manhunt.

Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar after being recaptured. Photo: Ecuadorean Army via AFP
Americas and the Caribbean

Violence-plagued Ecuador on alert over alleged assassination plot

The government accused ‘criminal structures’ working with political candidates of hatching the plot, but did not offer any specific names.

A military tank guards the Penitenciaria del Litoral in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on April 9. Photo: AFP
Americas and the Caribbean

Ecuador’s president wins re-election as opponent demands recount

An unexpected victory for Daniel Noboa has prompted allegations of ‘grotesque electoral fraud’ from his leftist rival Luisa Gonzalez.

Crime

Hitmen mow down cartel-busting colonel in violence-torn Ecuador

Colonel Porfirio Cedeno was shot multiple times in Guayaquil while travelling to a military ceremony, according to police.

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