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China’s FM Spokesman Tries to Cool Tensions Over Reports of “Vaccine Rivalry” With India

by Eric Olander
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian speaking at the regular press briefing in Beijing. Image via the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Chinese government appears to be moving to deescalate tensions with India over reports that the two Asian powers are increasingly engaged in a so-called “vaccine rivalry” related to the distribution of COVID-19 jabs to developing countries around the world.

“There are multiple COVID-19 vaccine candidates out there on the market, and countries should be able to make their choices on the vaccines independently,” said Zhao Lijian at the regular press briefing on Monday in Beijing. “This issue can afford no place for malign competition, let alone the so-called “rivalry,” he added.

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