China’s Health Diplomacy and Soft Power Play in Chile and Argentina: A Cross-Country Comparison

China's growing influence in Latin America has drawn increasing attention in academia. Past research has focused on trade and investment, this study examines China’s health diplomacy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a comparative case study approach, it contrasts the responses of Chile and Argentina to Chinese health outreach. Despite receiving similar support, Chile has generally welcomed Chinese assistance, while Argentina has experienced anti-China protests and skepticism regarding Chinese vaccines. The study seeks to advance the understanding of soft power by exploring its relationship to domestic politics. Through semi-structured interviews with key healthcare professionals, including former Ministers of Health, the research highlights that the political environment in recipient countries significantly shapes the success of soft power initiatives. The findings suggest that when citizens perceive their leaders to prioritize personal interests over national welfare, they may be less receptive to foreign influence, offering new perspectives for global health diplomacy.