Beijing Uses Various Tactics to Boost Use of Domestic COVID-19 Vaccines

People line up to receive COVID-19 vaccines at a temporary vaccination center in Beijing on Jan. 8, 2021. STR/CNS/AFP via Getty Images

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is pushing hard to boost the use of domestically produced COVID-19 vaccines inside China, with many local governments or entities using various tactics to accomplish this political goal.

Recently, Shanghai was reported to be offering bonuses or various items to people receiving a domestic vaccine, while a property management company posted a notice saying that those who decline the vaccine will be banned from entering the property.

Carrot and Stick

A netizen with the name “a latecomer” tweeted: “The party is really worried too much about the people’s vaccination. At the beginning stage, [we] got free eggs, later, movie tickets, and then, 100 yuan ($15) cash. Now it’s 200 yuan ($30) cash. Everyone, it looks like a bullish market. Let’s wait and see if we get thousands or maybe even tens of thousands of yuan for one injection. Getting rich overnight is not a dream!”