A forklift is used to transport Moderna vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Taiwan Air cargo Terminal in Taoyuan, Taiwan, June 18, 2021. (Photo by=REUTERS/Ann Wang) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] TAIPEI: Taiwan reacted with an outpouring of thanks to the United States for shipping 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the major semiconductor-producing island, more than doubling its arsenal as it deals with a rise in domestic infections, Reuters reported.
Washington, competing with Beijing to deepen geopolitical clout through "vaccine diplomacy", initially had promised to donate 750,000 doses but increased that number as President Joe Biden's administration advances its pledge to send 80 million US-made shots around the world. "What a sight! What a gesture!" Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tweeted late on Saturday (Jun 19), linking to pictures of the vaccines being loaded onto a China Airlines Boeing 777 freighter at Memphis airport.Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tweeted she was touched by the US move. "Thank you to the U.S. for this moving gesture of friendship. These vaccines will go a long way toward keeping Taiwan safe & healthy."
The 2.5 million Moderna doses, due to arrive at Taiwan's main international airport late Sunday afternoon, will more than double the number of vaccines that have already arrived on the island, including 1.24 million AstraZeneca shots donated by Japan earlier this month. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, has offered Chinese-made vaccines, but the government in Taipei has repeatedly expressed concerns about their safety and efficacy.