China’s health diplomacy in Latin America: A silk road of health? The case of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

While the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak originated in China, the People’s Republic of China seems to have succeeded in convincing the world of its capacity to manage a health crisis. In broader terms, Beijing has focused on developing a genuine health diplomacy, in parallel with its pragmatism in terms of international strategic agenda. Beijing’s health diplomacy is strongly rooted in Latin America, particularly due to the gradual withdrawal of the United States from the region. Cooperation in the healthcare sector is a soft-power tool for China’s influence in the region, as well as a means of economic penetration and influence. China’s credibility in the health sector has been built up step by step, as has its economic presence in Latin America. Keywords: health diplomacy, COVID-19, China, Latin America