Vaccines Offer China Increased Leverage in the Middle East
Kristina Jovanovski
02/07/2021
Experts say China’s main interest is accessing energy but geopolitical battle with US may loom
The battle against the coronavirus pandemic is helping China expand its ties with the Middle East and the country has a new weapon in its diplomatic arsenal: vaccines.
Beijing has for years been increasing relations with the region through trade, investment and infrastructure projects and, analysts say, it could win more clout with its vaccine exports.
COVID-19 vaccines from China have been approved or used by several countries in the region, including Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.