A New Era of Vaccine Diplomacy
Navigating the US-China Rivalry in Southeast Asia, 2020-2022
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 3948972 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Andree Surianta (0000-0002-2009-541X, Australian National University), Björn Dressel (0000-0002-3301-6805, Australian National University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 2408-2435 |
| Publication date | 2025-10-20 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Geopolitics (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1465-0045 • E-ISSN: 1557-3028 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/14650045.2025.2485206 |
| OpenAlex | W4409345996 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 28 |
During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine diplomacy emerged as a strategic and competitive arena for great powers within Southeast Asia. This paper examines vaccine diplomacy through two primary perspectives: (i) the differing approaches taken by the United States and China to wield influence via COVID-19 vaccine provision and distribution, and (ii) the strategies employed by ASEAN nations to assert agency and engage in vaccine diplomacy themselves. By analysing the volume and distribution methods of vaccine sales and donations, this study illustrates the United States’ preference for regional engagement through multilateral donations, contrasting with China’s focus on bilateral sales and technology sharing. In response, recipient nations – actively sourcing vaccines from various suppliers – help shape the landscape of vaccine diplomacy, with efforts to enhance their technological capacity. This paper thus illuminates the extension of great power rivalry into the sphere of vaccine diplomacy in the region, showcasing how ASEAN actors navigate this competition to affirm sovereignty while leveraging its opportunities. Special attention is given to Vietnam, a recipient country with the most diversified vaccine sourcing strategy and a regional leader in technology transfer initiatives. Through this analysis, a nuanced understanding emerges of both great power competition and the strategic opportunities presented by vaccine diplomacy for ASEAN nations
Ancient history · Business · China · Development economics · Diplomacy · East Asia · Economics · Economy · International trade · Political science · Politics · Rivalry · Southeast asia · Global Security and Public Health · History · HIV/AIDS Impact and Responses · Law · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
The effect of Chinese vaccine diplomacy during Covid-19 in the Philippines and Vietnam
“A passion to change the landscape and drive a renaissance”
Covax, vaccine donations and the politics of global vaccine inequity
The political economy of Covid‐19 vaccination in Indonesia
The Covid-19 Pandemic and the Emergence of Vietnam as a Middle Power
Covid-19 vaccine apartheid and the failure of global cooperation
US-China Covid-19 vaccine diplomacy competition in Vietnam
Political economy of vaccine diplomacy
U.S.-China Rivalry in Southeast Asia
The Health Silk Road
Great power Rivalry and Southeast Asian agency
Covid-19 vaccine inequity and Big Pharma
Vaccine Diplomacy
India's Neighbourhood Vaccine Diplomacy During Covid-19 Pandemic
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 2 |