The year 2020 marked a significant period for China in terms of its international standing, with the COVID-19 pandemic originating in Wuhan. Despite initial setbacks, China was quick to implement measures to contain the virus and began exporting its vaccines to Third World Countries in Africa and Southeast Asia. This move, termed "vaccine diplomacy," is seen as an attempt by Beijing to re-establish its credibility on the global stage.

China's vaccine diplomacy, however, faces challenges. The effectiveness of the Chinese vaccine has been questioned, and geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea complicate matters. Some countries, like Indonesia and Malaysia, have embraced Chinese vaccines, while others, like the Philippines and Vietnam, have been more cautious, opting to diversify their vaccine sources or rejecting Chinese vaccines entirely. These countries are wary of potential strings attached to China's offers, especially regarding territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The United States, after initial struggles with the pandemic, has ramped up its vaccine production and distribution, positioning itself to become a major player in global vaccine distribution. The American vaccines, like Pfizer's, have shown high effectiveness, and the U.S. is now preparing to export them globally, including to Indo-Pacific nations. This move is seen not just as a humanitarian effort but also as a strategic step to strengthen America's position in the Pacific, counter China's influence, and reduce other countries' dependence on Beijing.

However, the U.S. has been slower to enter the vaccine diplomacy arena, prioritizing domestic vaccination under President Joe Biden's administration. This delay might risk widening the gap with China's proactive foreign policy and could potentially weaken the resistance against Beijing's expansionism in regions heavily impacted by the pandemic.