On July 30, 2020, Ashley Craig was quoted in Law.com International on Chinese investment in Latin America following the arrival of COVID-19. According to the article, Latin American economies and health systems are getting crushed by the virus and efforts to contain it. Meanwhile, China has embarked on what some have called “mask diplomacy” by delivering—and donating—scarce medical equipment, protective gear, and COVID-19 tests across the region.
Last week, Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi promised a $1 billion loan to help Latin American and Caribbean countries access its COVID-19 vaccine. The pledge came via a virtual meeting that was also attended by ministers from Argentina, Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.
“It seems likely that Beijing will look to further solidify its ties—and presence —throughout Latin America, as the world struggles with the pandemic,” said Craig.