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photo: Paul Kagame Rwandan President Paul Kagame listens to Xi Jinping during the China-Africa Summit on Covid-19.
Strategic Vision vol. 10, no. 51 (December, 2021)
COVID Competition Vaccine nationalism complicates efforts to foster Asia Pacific cooperation Man-Jung Mignonne Chan
T
he Asia-Pacific Region is facing an era of challenges. These challenges include the need to maximize the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, US President Joe Biden’s approach to the Indo-Pacific strategy, and the economic slowdown due to the ongoing responses to the COVID-19 epidemic. The vaccine supply chain is also taking a drastic turn, from vaccine nationalism to competing vaccine diplomacy. Most Asian countries are reluctant to take sides amidst increasing Sino-US competition. The prospects for a post-COVID-19 future in Asia will rest on a well-coordinated health policy and economic policy, within and across borders. The intrigu-
ing geopolitics and geoeconomics is evident in the case of desperately needed vaccines and should serve as a catalyst for further collaborative efforts. In the upcoming post-COVID era, US-China collaboration in engaging the Asia-Pacific region would benefit all. Any great power competition should be put in perspective, and conflict resolution conducted in good faith will serve the region well in the years ahead. The RCEP signed on 15 November 15, 2020 is a significant commitment by the 15 Asian members. Even without India, it will forge continuous economic integration, and will welcome India when ready. RECP is considered a major catalyst for economic recovery in the post-COVID 19 era.
Dr. Man-Jung Mignonne Chan is currently Chief Strategy Officer of Healthy Asia Inc. & Senior Advisor to Chinese Taipei APEC Study Center. She can be reached for comment at d7155@tier.org.tw