China backs effort to lift IPR waiver on Covid vaccines

BEIJING: The Chinese government on Monday said it supports appeals made by developing countries for waiving intellectual property rights (IPR) on Covid-19 vaccines as questions are being raised on the equitable distribution of shots.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, said as the largest developing country, China supports the appeal to waive IPR as long as it is conducive to the inoculation needs of the developing world.

Beijing fully understands and supports the request of developing nations to exempt the IPR on Covid-19 vaccines, Zhao said at a foreign ministry conference.

India and South Africa have led the call for the lifting of patent rights for vaccines as a way of boosting manufacturing of shots and ensuring their global supply.

US President Joe Biden has also backed the idea, provided it’s done through the World Trade Organization (WTO).

British and European Union officials have been sceptical about the usefulness of the move to remove patent protections for Covid vaccines, while saying they are prepared to discuss it.

Last week, Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson, Gao Feng, said, “China supports the WTO’S proposal on IPR exemptions for anti-epidemic materials such as the Covid vaccine to enter the text consultation stage. China will work with all parties to actively participate in consultations and jointly promote a balanced and effective solution.”