China strengthens its influence in Latin America: a naval ship visits Nicaragua for the first time. The situation in Central America is currently complicated, especially due to tensions between America and Venezuela.
China has expanded its military presence with the first visit of a naval ship to Nicaragua. The CNS Silk Road Ark hospital ship anchored in the port of Corinto.
“Historic moment”
The Chinese Navy described the visit as a “historic moment.” The ship is part of the Harmony 2025 humanitarian mission, which has been providing medical assistance around the world since 2010. According to Newsweek, the mission currently includes visits to about a dozen countries in Latin America and the South Pacific.
In Nicaragua, the crew planned a medical collaboration with local hospitals. President Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo agreed to allow the ship to remain in Nicaraguan waters until the end of November.
China is expanding its influence in Latin America
Tensions between the US and Venezuela are currently increasing in the region. The US has increased its military presence to put pressure on the country.
Nicaragua, which established diplomatic ties with China in 2021 and withdrew recognition from Taiwan, has deepened its partnership with China. The Chinese Navy uses such missions to gain political influence and promote national interests.
CNS Silk Road Ark has previously visited Nauru, Fiji and Tonga. Nicaragua was not initially announced as a destination for the mission, as Newsweek reported. The next planned stop was Mexico.
