Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian emphasized that these products are ‘important weapons’ to save lives and not to create immunization gaps or promote manipulation.

‘The issue of vaccines is not about race or values. It is not a tool to sow divisions,’ he said.

He said China will never use these substances with the goal of expanding global influence or leadership, nor will it use them to secure favors from other countries.

‘Our assistance has no geopolitical agenda or political overtones. We will do our best to help people breathe because every life matters, regardless of race or nationality, Zhao said.

He pointed out that China will support any efforts leading to the equitable access to vaccines for developing countries, including the release of patents.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman reacted after US President Joe Biden on Monday announced the export of 80 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines, but to regain ‘leadership’ in the global fight against the pandemic and surpass shipments from China and Russia.

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