China in Latin America

The United States has focused too much on security over other assistance in Latin America, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.

The United States is exploring public works investment projects to counter China's influence in the region.

Taiwan warned Honduras against "flashy and false" promises by China after the Latin American nation's main opposition party vowed to switch diplomatic recognition to Beijing.

Costa Rica declined to purchase Covid-19 vaccines from the Chinese laboratory Sinovac, citing that they are less than 60% effective against symptomatic coronavirus infection.

The Chinese government on Monday donated motorcycles and other security equipment to Costa Rica during a ceremony with local leaders. 

The relaxed requirements are meant to help Costa Rica tap into a growing Chinese tourism market. 

Before heading to Panama, Wang visited San José, where he signed a cooperation memorandum with Foreign Minister Manuel González.

RECOPE Legal Affairs Director Mayid Brenes said he hoped the "good faith" agreement between China and Costa Rica would prevent any problems.

RECOPE President Sara Salazar told reporters that the Chinese-Costa Rican joint-venture cost the Costa Rican government ₡33 billion — more than $61 million — with nothing to show for the effort.

Prior to the project’s approval by the Legislative Assembly in February various professional and business groups warned that changes to the project would be needed and that those changes would inflate the price tag.