CNBC,
INGAPORE – As the vaccine race heats up, China has promised countries in Southeast Asia and Africa that they will be first in line when Beijing’s home-grown vaccines are ready to be distributed — a move that’s raised questions about China’s intent.
From Malaysia and the Philippines to a number of African countries, China has granted some developing nations priority access to the coronavirus vaccines it’s currently developing. Chinese companies have also signed agreements with some of these developing nations to test and manufacture the vaccines.
Experts say the moves could put pressure on some of these countries to support Beijing’s commercial and political interests.
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“I don’t think it’s completely altruistic, I do think they are seeking some benefits from this,” said Imogen Page-Jarrett of The Economist Intelligence Unit. “China wants to expand its commercial and also strategic interests in these countries.”
The research analyst said vaccines may be “a means to expand China’s influence and soft power” as well as ease frictions with countries that may blame China for the pandemic.
What’s in it for China?
Chong Ja Ian, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, said China could demand cooperation on a “whole range” of issues. They include practical discussions such as the code of conduct in the contested South China Sea, as well as gaining more acceptance of Chinese technology products, he said.
In full: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/10/covid-china-may-be-using-its-vaccines-to-expand-its-soft-power.html
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