China is escalating its criticism of wealthy countries, predominantly in North America and Europe, for hoarding the world’s supply of COVID-19 vaccines at the expense of developing nations in the Global South. Foreign Minister Wang Yi was unsparing yesterday at a virtual UN Security Council meeting when he said the international community is failing a “moral test” by the fact that just 16% of the world’s population in rich countries has reportedly bought 70% of the available COVID vaccines.

“Rather than figuring out ways to get the vaccine to the rest of the world faster, they (rich countries) are squabbling amongst themselves over who will be first in line,” said Wang according to a read-out of his comments by CGTN.