China's COVID cooperation not driven by geopolitical agenda: NPC spokesman

China's efforts to promote international cooperation against COVID-19 is not driven by any geopolitical agenda, nor does it come with any political strings, said Zhang Yesui, spokesman for the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress.

The country's efforts are to protect people's lives, safety and health, Zhang said at a Thursday press conference in Beijing in response to a media question about whether such efforts are meant to expand China's geopolitical influence among developing countries.

"In the face of the pandemic, nothing matters more than people's lives, safety and health," Zhang said.

"We hope more countries who have the capacity to take action can provide vaccines to the international community, especially developing countries, in order to boost global efforts against COVID-19," Zhang said.

The Chinese government has provided vaccine assistance to over 60 countries in total, and so far it has also committed to provide 10 million doses of vaccine to the COVAX vaccine distribution plan to meet the urgent needs of developing countries, according to Zhang.

He said while it is important that vaccines are distributed and used around the world in an equitable manner, in particular it is important to ensure developing countries have access to affordable, safe and effective vaccines.

"For this to happen, the international community needs to work together," he said.