At UN Security Council Meeting, Chinese FM Wang Yi Takes Aim at Wealthy Countries For Hoarding Vaccines

China is escalating its criticism of wealthy countries, predominantly in North America and Europe, for hoarding the world’s supply of COVID-19 vaccines at the expense of developing nations in the Global South. Foreign Minister Wang Yi was unsparing yesterday at a virtual UN Security Council meeting when he said the international community is failing a “moral test” by the fact that just 16% of the world’s population in rich countries has reportedly bought 70% of the available COVID vaccines.

“Rather than figuring out ways to get the vaccine to the rest of the world faster, they (rich countries) are squabbling amongst themselves over who will be first in line,” said Wang according to a read-out of his comments by CGTN.

Wang’s comments appear to be an evolution of China’s vaccine diplomacy drive, with Beijing leveraging its recent success in delivering millions of jabs to dozens of developing countries around the world. So long as the U.S. and Europe continue to gobble up the majority of vaccines for their own constituents, it’s likely that China will further emphasize the themes outlined in Wang’s UNSC appearance on Wednesday.

As of this month, China has distributed more than 46 million doses internationally and just 40 million for its own population, according to estimates by the South China Morning Post.

Separately, Wang also raised the issue (again) of reforming the Security Council to allow for more representation from developing countries.

SUGGESTED READING:

• South China Morning Post: China says stockpiling of Covid-19 vaccines by rich countries needs to stop by Teddy Ng
• CGTN: Wang Yi: World should reject vaccine nationalism, promote equitable distribution of vaccines 
• CGTN: Wang Yi: UN Security Council reform should show ‘justice and fairness’
• Arab News: Rare show of unity in Security Council in support of fair vaccine distribution by Ephram Kossaify

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The post At UN Security Council Meeting, Chinese FM Wang Yi Takes Aim at Wealthy Countries For Hoarding Vaccines appeared first on The China Africa Project.

source https://chinaafricaproject.com/2021/02/18/at-un-security-council-meeting-chinese-fm-wang-yi-takes-aim-at-wealthy-countries-for-hoarding-vaccines/