The United States will donate 750,000 COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan as part of the country's ammunition program, said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth on Sunday, giving much-needed impetus to the island's fight against the disease.
Taiwan is experiencing a spike in domestic conditions but has been affected as many areas by a lack of vaccines around the world. Only about 3% of the 23.5 million people who have been vaccinated, most of them receive only the first gun needed.
Speaking at Taipei airport in Songshan city after a brief visit with fellow Senators Dan Sullivan and Christopher Coons, Duckworth said Taiwan would receive 750,000 volumes as the first portion of U.S. donations.
"It was very important in the United States for Taiwan to be included in the first team to receive treatment because we recognize your urgent need and appreciate this relationship," he said at a press conference. He did not provide details of any vaccines Taiwan could receive at any time.
Taiwan has lamented China, claiming the democratically owned island is trying to prevent the island from accessing drugs worldwide, which Beijing has denied.
Standing by Duckworth, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu thanked the United States for the donation.
"While we are doing our best to import vaccines, we must overcome barriers to ensure that these life-saving drugs are delivered without problems from Beijing," he said.
China has provided vaccines made by Chinese Taiwanese, but the Taipei government has repeatedly expressed concern about their safety, and in any case cannot import them without changing Taiwanese law, which prohibits its importation.
The senators will also meet with President Tsai Ing-wen to discuss security and other issues.
U.S. senators and congressmen leaders visit Taiwan frequently during normal times, but arriving in the midst of an outbreak of disease on the island where its borders remain largely closed to tourists is a strong demonstration of support.
Unusually, they also arrived at the US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III freighter, with a private jet as is the case with top U.S. tourists.
The arrival of Taiwan vaccines has continued to meet.
Japan sent Taiwan 1.24 million doses of the AstraZeneca PLC (AZN.L) vaccine for coronavirus on Friday free of charge, with more than double the amount of gunpowder the island has received so far. Learn more
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