Bangladesh, Oct. 30 -- Colombian President Gustavo Petros fiery rhetoric at international forums and his bold policy shifts have placed Bogotá at the center of a deepening rift with Washington-one that reflects not just a bilateral dispute, but a much larger contest over global influence. The escalating tensions between Colombia and the United States reveal the latters growing unease over Chinas expanding footprint in Latin America, as the century-old Monroe Doctrine once again becomes a talking point in US policy circles.

President Petros recent visit to Saudi Arabia for the Future Investment Initiative conference in late October marked a symbolic turning point in Colombias diplomatic posture. Once one of Washingtons most dependabl...