Don't be so pedantic. When people are dying and supply is low, "asking" for it is a valid move whether by the FDA or the president.

The fact that it wasn't done is deliberate from both sides.

That's not how it works. I should know - I've submitted things to the FDA.

If the Chinese vaccine manufacturers wanted an FDA review, they can pay a fee and get it.

It's not about the technicalities of submission. It's about whether or not there was political desire to "bend the knee" and ask for a vaccine. The answer is obviously no. Neither side will do it.