China’s vaccine-diplomacy is falling flat

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<strong>Most countries that resorted to Made in China Covid 19 have been hit by a second wave of the virus, not only giving rise to questions over the efficacy of the doses but also the pricing. While the commercial details of the purchase agreements have been kept under wraps, many have raised their eyebrows over the Chinese model of vaccine diplomacy with stringent disclosure norms over pricing.</strong></p>
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China supplied over 400 million Covid 19 vaccines to various countries under bilateral agreements.</p>
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A study by the <a href="https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/diplomacy-gone-amiss-story-of-chinese-covid-19-vaccines/">Observer Research Foundation</a> said though Chinese President Xi Jinping called the country’s vaccines ‘a global public good’, its approach and pricing towards the countries have been biased. “Reports of its diplomacy being preferential towards some have caused much stir. Presumably, Sri Lanka is paying US$ 15 per dose for Sinopharm, while Nepal and Bangladesh are paying only US$ 10 per dose.”</p>
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Countries such as Seychelles, Bahrain, Mongolia, Chile, etc., who used Chinese vaccines such as Sinopharm and Sinovac extensively, saw a dangerous second wave.</p>
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Indonesia, which received the largest consignment of the vaccines from China, too reported over 54,500 new Covid 19 cases on Wednesday – the single-day highest figure.</p>
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Sources said that several of these countries are hoping that India would resume export of its Covid 19 vaccines. “The demand for vaccines is especially high from the neighbouring countries, where there has been an increase in the Covid numbers,” an insider said. However, he added that India is not in a position to resume exports of vaccines at this point. India made vaccines are not only cheaper but have better efficacy.</p>
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“We will have to first cater to our own people. It is absolutely non negotiable as there are health as well as economic implications,” the person added.</p>
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Many countries have decided not to allow entry of people vaccinated with Chinese jabs.</p>
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“Amidst widespread vaccine hesitancy, the underperformance of these vaccines can prove antagonistic to the immunisation program. With severe global distrust already looming over China’s intentions, scientific peer support is essential to its credibility as a major vaccine manufacturer,” the ORF study said.</p>