China may be positioned to gain more clout in Latin America following the arrival of COVID-19, lawyers say, as troubled businesses and governments seek investment and assistance.

While the U.S. has ramped up protectionism in recent months, Latin America has rolled out the welcome mat to China. Latin American economies and health systems are getting crushed by the virus and efforts to contain it. Brazil, Mexico and Peru have logged some of the highest total COVID-related deaths worldwide.