U.S. Media : Vaccine Aid Helps Beijing Win Friends

'New York Times' September 11 article, original title: 'From Asia to Africa, China Promotes Vaccines to Win Friends' : the Philippines will quickly use China's new coronavirus vaccine, Latin American and Caribbean countries will get loans to purchase vaccines, and Bangladesh will get them from Chinese companies 100,000 free vaccines ... At present, China is using the prospect of the new coronavirus vaccine to launch a charm offensive and repair damaged relations, and to close the distance with its regional friends whose interests are vital.

As the United States retreats from global leadership, China’s vaccine promise, coupled with earlier deliveries of masks and ventilators around the world, will help shape the image of a responsible power. The ability to develop vaccines and provide them to poor countries is also a strong signal that China has emerged as a scientific leader in the new post-epidemic global order.

To some extent, China is leading the global new coronavirus vaccine competition. Currently, there are 4 vaccine candidates in the final stage of clinical trials, more than any other country, and factories that can produce millions of doses of vaccines have been built. Beijing announced that it will turn domestic vaccines into global public products.

For a long time, China has always regarded contributing to global health as an opportunity to enhance its soft power. Jennifer Bouy, an epidemiologist at RAND, said, 'The Chinese government wants to see the country successfully produce a good vaccine that many countries want.'

Although there are still uncertainties, Beijing is confident to promote its future vaccines and to eliminate friction. When Chinese leaders met with officials in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam last month, they proposed that vaccines made in China could be provided, which was welcomed. Cambodia expressed its 'high appreciation for our friend China's efforts in vaccine production'. The National Institutes of Health of Pakistan stated, 'People are very willing to accept Chinese vaccines. In fact, (the people) ask us to prepare such vaccines as soon as possible'. In the Philippines, where China and the United States are fighting for influence, President Duterte told lawmakers that he has made a request to Beijing for help with vaccines. China has also made similar proposals to countries in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and South Asia -- all areas where Beijing seeks to expand its influence.

China emphasizes that it will not seek to monopolize the supply of vaccines. The official media is full of rebuttals against accusations of using vaccines as a diplomatic tool. Chinese scholars say that providing vaccines is selfless and will not have any additional conditions. But some regional powers worry that Beijing is eroding its sphere of influence. Some recipient countries also have concerns, but there are no alternatives.