As encouraging news has poured in recently regarding the success of various coronavirus vaccines, recent reports indicate a COVID-19 vaccine developed in China is one of several to show promise. And beyond the clear public health benefit provided by a successful vaccine, Beijing is looking to employ a strategy of “vaccine diplomacy” to boost its international clout — including with Middle Eastern countries.
While a number of vaccines are under development in China, four of these have entered late-stage testing in clinical trials. This accounts for roughly one-third of leading COVID-19 vaccines in the final stage of development globally.