Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries have received a $1 billion loan as a help to secure the COVID-19 vaccine developed by China. It happened through a digital-get-together on LAC countries' foreign ministers and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

According to CNN, China becomes the dominant force in LAC amid the United States' retreat from its global leadership role and virus wrecking on lives and incomes. China played a significant role in the region ever since the pandemic arrived in late March.

The Chinese government donated at least 150,000 masks and several hazmat suits to Brazil. In Argentina, it donated at least 50,000 testing kits, ten ventilators, and 100,000 medical masks. Also, Peru received donations of dozens of defibrillators, ventilators, monitors, and ultrasound scanners.

Meanwhile, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma's foundation donated 50,000 testing kits; 100,000 masks; and five ventilators separately to Mexico.

Latin America to Choose Covid-19 Diplomacy Between Two Powerful Countries
President Lopez Obrador Announces Mexico Will Produce Oxford Coronavirus Vaccine MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - AUGUST 13: Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, president of Mexico talks during the announcement that Mexico and Argentina will produce the Oxford Coronavirus Vaccine at Palacio Nacional on August 13, 2020 in Mexico City, Mexico. The reached agreement includes a initial production of 150 million doses of the potential COVID-19 vaccine with British global bio-pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. The vaccines for Latin America (except Brazil) will be produced in Argentina and Mexico. Hector Vivas

The governments who received help from China stated their appreciation for the action through a Twitter post of Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard saying, "Thanks to China for its unwavering support during this pandemic!!!" The statement was posted after medical supplies arrived in June. On the other hand, Argentinian President Alberto Fernández thanked China in a July letter.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Agency for International Development dedicated $141.4 million as a COVID-19 response in Latin American and Caribbean countries since March. The agency also sent more than 1,800 ventilators to seven states and plans on giving more in the future. According to an agency spokesperson, the agency has pivoted and redirected existing programs to respond to the pandemic in the Latin America region.

Latin America and the Caribbean countries became the latest contest zone for expressing influence between the two most powerful nations of the world, as per MSN. The U.S. and China lean to a classic pursuit of self-interest through cooperation.

According to government statistics, Brazil's exports to China have increased each month since January. In addition, the billions of dollars that China recently invested have carried huge favor across LAC. However, amid China's substantial investments, the U.S remains LAC's top overall trading partner and a vital source of foreign direct investment.

Margaret Myers, who helped compile the count, said, "The U.S. still has such strong ties economically speaking that are quite diverse. There are long-standing cultural ties that are so critical, plus familiar ties that China doesn't have." Myer expressed her opinion on a public display of gratitude from LAC to China. She thinks that LAC is trying to get any help that they can.

As per CNN, it is not up to China or the U.S. to decide who will have the most influence throughout Latin American and the Caribbean countries. LAC knows well the consequences of colonialism and external interference. It is similarly happening in the United States and Europe. LAC is not strangers to the political and economic bullying that goes with them.

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