The American vaccine

The United States sent Taiwan 1.5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Moderna. This was announced on Sunday by Ned Price, head of the State Department's press office, on Twitter.

"Another 1.5 million doses of Moderna vaccine are on the way! Our donation reflects our commitment to Taiwan, a vibrant democracy, a valued partner and a trusted friend," the diplomat wrote, who also posted photos of boxes of the drugs.

In June, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent 2.5 million doses of new COVID vaccines to Taiwan. in July, the Taiwanese authorities signed a new contract for the purchase of 36 million Moderna's doses. Deliveries are scheduled for the period from the fourth quarter of this year to 2023. Earlier China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian called on the United States to stop interfering in China's internal affairs and also to stop politicizing the issue of vaccine supplies to Taiwan.

On Friday, the Taipei Times newspaper reported that the percentage of Taiwanese residents who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has exceeded 70%. To date, 23.43 million people on the island have been vaccinated with one dose of the vaccine (70.01%), but so far only 7.23 million (30.87%) have received both doses. In May of this year, Taiwan banned entry to its territory for all but permanent residents. Without exception, all those entering Taiwan are required to undergo a two-week quarantine. Local authorities said the other day that they would begin to open the borders only after more than 60% of their population had been fully vaccinated.

The U.S. severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 and established relations with the PRC. While recognizing the "one-China" policy, Washington continues to maintain contact with the Taipei administration and supplies the island with arms. Last year, the administration of the 45th U.S. President Donald Trump, amid worsening relations with Beijing over the situation in Hong Kong, significantly intensified contacts and exchanges with Taiwan, which caused protests from the PRC authorities. The administration of current President Joe Biden is continuing this course.