Global Vaccine Cooperation Action Initiative by China at G20 Summit

By
Zubeda Anjum Niazi
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587
Chinese
President Xi Jinping

Beijing, 30 October 2021 (TDI): Whilst addressing the 16th Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a six-point Global Vaccine Cooperation Action Initiative. He was participating in the meeting through a video link.

Six-Point Global Vaccine Cooperation Action Initiative
  1. Firstly, as per the suggested initiative, vaccine research and development (R&D) cooperation, needs to be enhanced. Companies conducting joint R&D and production with developing countries need global assistance.
  2. Secondly, equity and justice need to be upheld. The vaccine should be provided to the developing countries, indiscriminately. That is the only way to achieve the global vaccination target for 2022; as set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
  3. The developed countries must support the World Trade Organization (WTO); in the decision on waiving intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines. Moreover, vaccine companies must transfer technology to developing countries.
  4. Fourthly, world leaders need to increase cross-border trade collaboration. This will guarantee the smooth trade of vaccines and relevant raw materials.
  5. All vaccines are equal. Hence, WHO’s Emergency Use Listing must ensure congruity.
  6. Lastly, financial support should be provided for worldwide vaccine cooperation, specifically for developing countries. This will make access to vaccines easier.
Time to Behave Responsibly

Aside from the six-point initiative, Xi Jinping called on the G20 group to act responsibly in the face of changes and a pandemic; both unseen in a century. The future of humanity and people’s welfare should be the priority. Furthermore, it is important to uphold openness, adopt inclusiveness and practice multilateralism, for a flourishing global community. China is a staunch advocate of multilateralism and equity.

G20 Summit

The G20 Summit is in Rome, Italy; from Saturday to Sunday. The agenda of the meeting is to deliberate upon climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global economic recovery.

Wang Yi, the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister is attending the summit in Rome. He is there as President Xi’s special representative.