Xi Jinping‘s government has repeatedly rejected the President Joe Bidenthe government’s offer to deliver advanced vaccines as China battles a fast-spreading wave of COVID-19.
What happened?: China’s repeated denials had led to growing frustration among US officials concerned about the virus’ resurgence after Beijing eased curbs last month, reported Bloomberg.
The report quotes US officials discussing the deliberations as saying the US had repeatedly offered mRNA vaccines and other support for the Chinese government through private channels.
Washington also suggested indirect ways to deliver the vaccines to accommodate political sensitivities in the country when accepting foreign aid, the sources said, without giving further details.
The publication noted that offers from the US side were made by senior diplomats, including the deputy secretary of state Daniel Kritenbrink and Senior Director of the National Security Council Laura Rosenbergduring the December trip to China.
Analysts are concerned that China’s reluctance to give US vaccines could lead to it “needless deaths” in the country.
“The Xi government’s propaganda narrative on Covid has long emphasized its ‘success’ as a result of China’s unique political institutions, and so this has artificially restricted access to external vaccines,” he said Jew BlanchetteFreeman Chair in Chinese Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
“Even in the midst of a catastrophic Covid outbreak, Beijing continues to emphasize vaccine nationalism, a decision that will no doubt lead to unnecessary deaths,” Blanchette added.
Meanwhile, China repeatedly said there were enough vaccines available.
Learn more about Benzinga’s coverage in Europe and Asia at the following this link.
[ad_2]
Source story
