The Newest Diplomatic Currency: Covid-19 Vaccines

India, China, the U.A.E. and others dole out donations in countries where they seek sway. In some cases, they are sending doses despite pressing needs at home.India, the unmatched vaccine manufacturing power, is giving away millions of doses to neighbors friendly and estranged.
It is trying to counter China, which has made doling out shots a central plank of its foreign relations. And the United Arab Emirates, drawing on its oil riches, is buying jabs on behalf of its allies.The coronavirus vaccine — one of the world’s most in-demand commodities — has become a new currency for international diplomacy.