Sinopharm CNBG is capable of annually producing one billion doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Chinese pharmaceutical group that runs the site through its subsidiary, the Beijing Institute of Biological Products (BIBP). 

Sinopharm is one of China's main producers of COVID-19 vaccines. The company has two production sites – in Beijing and Wuhan. 

"One billion doses are divided into many weeks," said Wang Hui, general manager of BIBP. "Every ten hours, the machines stop and go through a checkup procedure."

As of February 22, Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for emergency use in more than 30 countries and regions.

China has donated vaccines to 53 countries and sold to 22 others, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

Wang said Sinopharm, one of China's vaccine production giants, "already has measures in place to handle the situation if the strength and efficacy of the vaccine drops. We have plans to develop and produce co-strain and multi-strain vaccines."

The company is now seeking approval for a second COVID-19 vaccine. The new one has been developed by a subsidiary, the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products.  

It has conducted phase-three clinical trials in various countries since last June. 

Wang added the group has completed clinical trials on the age group three to 17. The company has already submitted the report to national regulators. 

The company said it expected to contribute its fair share to the global vaccination drive, especially by making vaccines accessible and affordable to developing countries.