China’s Vaccine Diplomacy In Central Asia: What Next?

As COVID-19 continues to rage throughout Central Asia, China has been sending millions of doses of vaccines, mostly free of cost, to the region, thus expanding its ever-growing footprint there. Alongside vaccine diplomacy, Beijing has also been very active in solidifying its place as the leading player providing a lifeline to the region’s struggling economy, transitioning BRI from major infrastructure deals to forms that meet local demand as well as China’s domestic needs. This shift was apparent during this month’s summit with the Central Asian states, where Beijing set up numerous initiatives that are far less flashy than the infrastructure deals we have become accustomed to seeing. China’s intention is not only to win plaudits for fulfilling short-term vaccine needs in the region, but also to cement its influence and advance its interests in Central Asia in the long term. Please join us on June 10 between 10 and 11:30am EST for a discussion of what comes next in China’s vaccine diplomacy in Central Asia.

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Feature Photo: Marco Verch via Flickr