China’s use of soft power to leverage its influence in Latin America has increased with the latest World Health Organization (WHO) approval of Sinopharm – the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine. At the same time, while Chinese investment in Latin America and the Caribbean fell in 2020, fiscal shortfalls in the region as a result of stimulus packages are leaving many governments struggling to cover stretched budgets.

At this event, panellists discuss the political and economic implications of China’s growing interests in Latin America.

Which specific countries, and leaders, are proving the most receptive to bilateral relations with China?
What is the role of vaccine diplomacy in bolstering Chinese presence in the region?
How will Chinese commerce with, and investment in, the region change post COVID-19?
What are the consequences of a decline in US involvement in the region for China’s foreign policy vision?