Vaccines drive

Unlike many rich Western countries, China has made its vaccines available to the developing world even before supplying them to its own citizens, recognizing the former's greater need. The virus within its own borders has also been contained.

China has supplied vaccines to many African countries and to Latin America, Southeast Asia and CEE countries, some of which are EU members.

On Feb 18, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi made clear China's approach at the UN Security Council meeting, saying it was wrong that high-income countries had almost all the vaccine supply, and the poorest none.

"We should come together to reject vaccine nationalism, promote fair and equitable distribution of vaccines, and in particular, make them accessible and affordable for developing countries, including those in conflicts," he said.

Koh, from the Centre for New Inclusive Asia, said China has led the way in fully signing up to the World Health Organization-led COVAX vaccination program right from the start in October, in contrast to the US, which only signed up in January.

"In prioritizing the delivery of vaccine to developing countries, China is upholding its world vision that mankind is a community with a shared future. Coronavirus is a common enemy of mankind. No one is safe until everyone is safe," he added.

Cavolo, the China commentator, said the country is in a strong position to lead on this issue because it has successfully controlled the virus, emerging economically stronger as a result.

He said China's work in supplying vaccines will only serve to bolster its relations with developing countries.

"Will such help, when needed, lead to the formation of stronger bilateral relationships and greater cooperation in the future? Of course it will," Cavolo said.

Ross believes that in contrast, the West is undermining its relationship with the Global South.

"The position taken by the 'rich' countries on vaccines is a disgrace and shows the complete hypocrisy of their claim to stand for human rights," he said.

"They are hoarding vaccines for themselves, therefore limiting their supply to developing countries. China, together with Russia, on the contrary, are supplying hundreds of millions of doses to developing countries－an enormous step forward in human rights."

Whatever the outcome of the global vaccine rollout, the world faces major challenges over the next decade in relation to the post-pandemic recovery, huge debt levels and climate change.

Wang, from the CCG, said it should be evident from the two sessions that many of the bigger ideas are coming from Beijing.

"China understands the big picture. It is not weighed down by ideology, and believes so much more can be gained by greater international cooperation," he said.