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Chinese State Commissioner and Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks with Philippine President Duterte (right) in Manila on April 16 = AP
[Beijing = Chihaya Tsuboi, Bangkok = Kentaro Iwasaki]Chinese State Commissioner and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited four Southeast Asian countries from 11 to 16 and promised to provide vaccines for the new corona virus. In the beginning, we also visited 5 African countries. Taking the moment of the change of government in the United States, it is strengthening its diplomatic offensive with vaccines and economic cooperation as weapons.
“China will do everything in its power to make vaccines of global benefit.” Wang met with Foreign Minister Roksin and President Duterte in the Philippines on the 16th and announced that he would provide 500,000 Chinese vaccines and 500 million yuan (about 8 billion yen) for infrastructure development.
The Philippines has sovereignty issues between China and the South China Sea, and people are concerned about Chinese vaccines. However, Duterte thanked that “China plays a very important role in revitalizing the regional economy” and expressed his intention to maintain close ties.
On the 11th, Mr. Wang met with Aung Sang Soo Chi, the National Councilor and Foreign Minister, who is about to take office for a second term in Myanmar, and promised to provide 300,000 Chinese-made vaccines. In Myanmar, criticism from Europe and the United States is mounting on the issue of the persecution of the Rohingya Islamic minority. However, Wang emphasized her stance of being close to him, saying, “We support the protection of national sovereignty and development in accordance with national circumstances.”
On the 13th, he visited Indonesia on the day the emergency vaccination of the Chinese vaccine began. As a first topic, we had a meeting with President Joko immediately after the vaccination, and it became a place to appeal for safety. On the 14th, this year’s president of the Union of Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN) also visited Brunei.
◆ Countries along the line
Byden is scheduled to become president on the 20th in the United States, which is deepening the conflict with China. A more severe “siege against China” is expected due to human rights issues in Hong Kong and elsewhere. China wants to take the initiative and close the gap with Southeast Asian countries rushing to get vaccines.
During his visits to African countries such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania from 4-9 this month, he communicated the continuation of corona measures such as vaccines and medical supplies and financial support. It is a country of the Chinese economic zone concept “One Belt, One Road”, and it is clear that the support of African countries is indispensable for the majority work on international public opinion.
