"Strengthening Korea-US Vaccine Cooperation Also Aims to Contain China... Precise Approach Needed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] It was advised that South Korea's establishment of a vaccine partnership with the United States through the summit also serves the purpose of countering China, and that a precise approach is needed in setting future relations with China.

According to the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) on the 30th, in the recently published report titled "Key Contents and Implications of the Korea-US Summit," Yoon Yeo-jun, head of the Americas team at KIEP's Advanced Economy Division, stated, "As cooperation between Korea and the US expands in global health collaboration, it is necessary to respond delicately so as not to suffer losses in diplomatic relations with China." He added, "The agreement on global health cooperation reached at the Korea-US summit also hinted at the purpose of countering China," emphasizing, "A precise approach is needed in setting relations with China in future COVID-19 responses."

He also said, "The expansion of US-centered global health cooperation can be seen as a response to China's vaccine diplomacy toward low- and middle-income countries using domestically produced vaccines," and evaluated, "The phrase ‘transparent and independent evaluation and analysis of the origin of COVID-19 outbreak’ included in the Korea-US joint declaration also appears to be aimed at China."

While pointing out that the US vaccine support volume is at the level of 550,000 doses, he also emphasized efforts to negotiate with companies to expand vaccine import volumes in June. In particular, he stressed, "The contract for consignment production with Moderna involves receiving bulk drug substance manufactured in the US and filling it into finished products," adding, "It is necessary to advance to technology transfer for bulk drug substance production in the future." Furthermore, he insisted, "Discussions to extend the technology transfer period with Novavax, which failed previously, should be steadily pursued to lay the foundation for mid- to long-term pandemic response."

Meanwhile, the report also diagnosed that the joint statement reflected considerations toward North Korea and the US's diplomatic strategy regarding North Korea policy. Accordingly, it is expected that inter-Korean relations could improve in connection with the resumption of North Korea-US denuclearization talks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.