Jeong Sye-gyun Criticizes 'Gangster-like Behavior' Over Concerns of US Vaccine Export Ban

Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun strongly criticized concerns on the 23rd that the United States might restrict exports to prioritize securing domestic COVID-19 vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna, saying, "That's something only thugs would do."

In an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that morning, former Prime Minister Chung said, "We have contracts and promises to deliver. If the U.S. imposes export restrictions, isn't that tantamount to hijacking?"

Regarding the criticism that "the government should have secured sufficient quantities in advance," former Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "We plan to vaccinate 12 million people by the first half of the year. It's not too late to observe and raise issues." He added, "Isn't it too hasty to create public anxiety about vaccines?" and expressed confidence about achieving herd immunity by November, saying, "We will definitely accomplish it."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On concerns that the U.S. might limit the supply of domestic vaccines, he reiterated, "(Export restrictions) must be prevented. Vaccines are for the people of the world, not just Americans," and said, "There is no need to create baseless worries."

Recently, the U.S. has indicated a priority supply of vaccines to Mexico, Canada, and the 'Quad countries' (Quad, a consultative group of four countries: the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia).

U.S. President Joe Biden said on the 21st (local time), regarding overseas support of COVID vaccines, "We don't yet have enough to be confident in sending them abroad, but we expect to be able to do so in the future."

Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, said, "The U.S. has played a leadership role in public health," and "We have held supply-related consultations with Canada, Mexico, and the Quad (a four-country alliance to counter China)."

In this situation, former Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "Aren't we allies too? We're not asking for free supplies; we have contracts with pharmaceutical companies and have even paid advances. Despite the unequal and unfair contracts, we made timely agreements so that the public would not worry." He added, "If the U.S. hijacks those supplies, will we just watch? We will make diplomatic efforts and take necessary measures."