China has been making moves to resurrect its international image and position itself as a key part of any global solution to Covid-19, as it continues with its vaccine development programmes. On Oct 8, the country signed on to Covax, the World Health Organisation-backed initiative for the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, joining 170 other nations. Associate Professor Li Mingjiang of the RSIS said joining Covax was “politically symbolic” and helps substantiate promises made by Beijing. “We’ve already seen many Chinese policy announcements. Whenever a Chinese leader has a phone call with another country’s political leader or when Chinese senior officials like (Foreign Minister) Wang Yi visit other countries, they’ve always mentioned China’s willingness to provide vaccines or other support to foreign countries,” said Prof Li.