Most Latin American countries have received some form of help from China－medical equipment, medicines and/or vaccines－to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic since March 2020.

China's relationship with Latin American countries, especially in recent months, has shown that distance is not an obstacle to strengthening ties, said Jorge E. Malena, director of the Asian Affairs Committee Argentine Council for International Relations, Argentina.

Latin American governments face serious health and economic challenges due to the pandemic－along with the dilemma of choosing between China and the US, he said, adding that the near future may reveal the positions of Latin American governments.