Coronavirus: how China is taking a high-stakes bet on vaccine diplomacy in Latin America
- It’s the biggest recipient per capita of Chinese shots, which for many countries are the only option for now
- Meanwhile, upcoming elections in the region could have potentially Beijing-friendly outcomes
According to the latest data from Duke University’s Global Health Innovation Centre, Latin America has signed agreements for 225 million doses of Chinese vaccines, or 36 doses for every 100 people. Chile is the biggest outlier with 323 doses purchased for every 100 people, followed by Brazil with 47 doses for every 100 people.
In contrast, Chinese vaccine deals with neighbouring Southeast Asia amount to only 31 doses for every 100 people, even lower than that of the Middle East with 35 doses. Central and Eastern Europe lags with only six doses for every 100 people, but remains ahead of Africa with four Chinese doses. South Asia has Chinese vaccines worth only one person for every 100, most of which is directed to Pakistan. India – in spite of a horrific surge in infections – has yet to accept offers for vaccines from China.
Latin America is ground zero in the worst pandemic in a century … the way other countries have reacted to it will be remembered for a long time
China’s robust vaccine roll-out in Latin America has raised its profile as well as stakes in the region where Beijing has been struggling to gain influence beyond the economic sphere. The likelihood of a political tilt leftward in upcoming elections across the region amid deepened social tensions in pandemic-strained economies gives China an opening to build political leverage. In the long term, however, Beijing is taking a high-stakes bet on vaccine diplomacy. Reputational costs will mount if providing vaccines is now on the front line in the country’s drive to engage the region as a scientific and technological global power.
“As China moves to be a quality-product country – with Huawei, with Xiaomi – that they would stake their entire reputation in every single country through a faulty vaccine, I think that may be something that backfires on China,” said Jorge Guajardo, former Mexican ambassador to China, in a phone interview.