China opposes "vaccine nationalism" and rejects any "vaccine divide" or attempts to politicize cooperation on COVID-19 vaccines, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday during a media conference held on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing. 

Wang made the remarks in response to the accusation of China engaging in "vaccine diplomacy."

"Vaccines are a powerful weapon against the virus and bring hope for saving lives. They should serve the entire world and benefit all humanity," he said.

China firmly believes in making COVID-19 vaccines a public good, he stressed, terming the country a committed frontrunner in promoting international vaccine cooperation and a steadfast advocate of equitable vaccine distribution.

More than 60 countries have authorized the use of Chinese vaccines. The country has or is donating COVID-19 vaccines to 69 developing countries in urgent need, besides exporting them to 43 countries, Wang said, adding that the safety and effectiveness of Chinese vaccines are earning recognition across the world. 

"It is our hope that Chinese vaccines will inject more confidence and hope into the global fight against the virus," he said.

He added that a number of COVID-19 vaccines are now available around the world, and it's up to each country to decide which one to choose.

"We hope that all capable countries will do what they can to provide vaccines to countries in need, especially developing countries, so that people all over the world will have access to affordable vaccines – vaccines that truly benefit the people," he said.