Expert: It is clear that China wants to acquire goodwill

Praise for China from world leaders has become increasingly frequent in recent months - from Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, and El Salvador.

At the same time as many rich countries have already seized a large part of the vaccine deliveries from Western pharmaceutical manufacturers, China has not only sold but also donated millions of its vaccines Sinovac and Sinpoharm to countries that have been left without.

- They want to show a positive image of China.

While the western world competes and quarrels among themselves about vaccines, China instead distributes its vaccine, says Oscar Almén.

Donations for improved relationships

About 70 percent of the expected vaccine doses for 2021 have already been sold to rich countries, representing 16 percent of the world's population, according to the scientific journal The Lancet.

At the same time, major powers such as China and India have donated vaccines to poor countries, donations that are not only seen as charity, but also what has come to be known as vaccine diplomacy.

For example, Sri Lanka and the Seychelles have received hundreds of thousands of doses.

It is seen as a strategy for more influence in the region.

- China wants to convey the image that they are much more supportive and stand on the side of the poor countries.

And you also have a need to improve relations with other countries, especially when you feel pressured by the West, which you feel is a united front, says Oscar Almén.

Expected to receive the go-ahead from the WHO

The World Health Organization, WHO, has said it expects to approve Sinovac and Sinopharm's vaccine for use in late April or early May.

Thereafter, the vaccine is expected to be released through the global vaccination program Covax.

- Because Covax has been so weak and underfunded, so far there has been room for China to be more offensive. But it is important for China to get there. If you show that you have created a vaccine in a short time that meets all requirements, it inspires confidence, says Börje Ljunggren, former Swedish ambassador to China.