BEIJING, October 13 (INP): A spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry Zhao Lijian said at a regular news briefing that China has officially joined COVAX for global public good.

This, he said is an important step China has taken to uphold the concept of a shared community of health for all and to honor its commitment to turn COVID-19 vaccines into a global cause,

" It has been welcomed and supported by the international community including the WHO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the EU.

Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic still poses a severe threat to the safety and health of people in all countries. China continues to focus on ensuring that developing countries have equal access to appropriate, safe and effective vaccines.

To that end, we have solemnly pledged to make vaccines developed and deployed by China a global public good and ensure early access for developing countries.

By joining COVAX, we are taking a concrete step to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines, especially to developing countries, and hope more capable countries will also join and support COVAX.

China will continue to work with all sides to contribute its share to the global fight against the pandemic to safeguard the safety and health of all."

INP/javed