A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday said that Taiwan compatriots in the mainland could apply for free COVID-19 vaccines.

Inoculations are based on the principles of voluntary application and informed consent, said Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, at a press conference.

Zhu said a mass vaccination plan is being carried out in the mainland in an orderly manner, and doses will be prepared for people who meet inoculation requirements, including Taiwan compatriots.

Some Taiwan compatriots in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the coastal city of Xiamen, Fujian Province have already been vaccinated free of charge, said Zhu.