Since COVID-19 struck, China has made vaccine research and development one of its major tasks, said Guo Weimin, spokesperson for the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

China has always given top priority to safety and effectiveness, he added when briefing the media on the session on Wednesday.

"Technical standards for market approval are there as well. These are in line with WHO standards and other countries," Guo said.

Through research and development, trial, emergency use approval, China has released authoritative information, he noted.

As of February 28, China has administered 52 million vaccines, according to Guo.

"Even some foreign leaders took the lead in taking Chinese vaccines," he said.

By the end of February, China had provided vaccine assistance to 69 countries and two international organizations, and exported vaccines to 28 countries, and the number is still rising, according to Guo.

The spokesperson also talked about the purpose of exporting vaccines, refuting the claims that China wants to use vaccine exports to expand its geopolitical influence.

"China's international cooperation on vaccines is aimed at helping the international community fight the pandemic together and practicing the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind," he said.

"China has declared that it regards vaccines as global public goods, supports and encourages Chinese enterprises to cooperate with other countries in the research, development and production of vaccines," said the spokesperson.

China has actively promoted the equitable distribution of vaccines around the world, he added.