Why isn't China using a compulsory license to produce medications that could possibly curb the advance of the coronavirus? With the Trade War with the United States, China has been accused of stealing Intellectual Property (with forced technology transfers...), and with the phase one agreement in mind, they have not much of a choice, requiring them to avoid any stain while they are under the spotlight. If China where to use a compulsory license to manufacture drugs like remdesivir, they would be surely blamed for violating patents of US companies. On the other hand, if the US were the one poised with a direct threat of the coronavirus and didn't own the patents on the potentially effective drugs, I don't think they would hesitate on bypassing and omitting the true owner of that license.
After all, Covid-19 is not just a threat to China, it is to the world. Even in that case, shouldn't they try to limit the spread of the virus by any means. Half the infected are now being treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine. With shortages in doctors (many are sick, and even dying) and medical equipment, China is overloaded to treat all those affected. The use of a compulsory license might be badly seen by the US, but it remains as one of China's options and it is of everyone's interest that the major outbreak is contained in China.
After all, Covid-19 is not just a threat to China, it is to the world. Even in that case, shouldn't they try to limit the spread of the virus by any means. Half the infected are now being treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine. With shortages in doctors (many are sick, and even dying) and medical equipment, China is overloaded to treat all those affected. The use of a compulsory license might be badly seen by the US, but it remains as one of China's options and it is of everyone's interest that the major outbreak is contained in China.
Thou, Currency Manipulator
Already being hit in recession with tariffs, China's economy will see a major slowdown with the virus on track. The yuan will depreciate even further, sparking Trump's claims like "they are currency manipulators"..."that is dishonest competition". Take as a recent case Argentina. They had a brutal devaluation on the peso, due to a debt crisis. As a consequence, they are slashed with tariffs on their steel because "they made it cheaper".
Behold Rationale in its Demise
Trump's policy is making the way for the coronavirus, dooming America's response to it. He has constantly slashed funds for healthcare and scientific investigations over the last few years. With health threats out there, he even proposes to slash further of the CDC budget.
An already fragile global economy will be hit by the virus. Traditional currency havens like the Japanese Yen, are poised to devaluate due to the virus. The outcome remains to be seen, but it looks bleak.
Trump's policy is making the way for the coronavirus, dooming America's response to it. He has constantly slashed funds for healthcare and scientific investigations over the last few years. With health threats out there, he even proposes to slash further of the CDC budget.
An already fragile global economy will be hit by the virus. Traditional currency havens like the Japanese Yen, are poised to devaluate due to the virus. The outcome remains to be seen, but it looks bleak.
No comments:
Post a Comment