China prioritizes 'safety, effectiveness' of vaccine: Spokesperson

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.

The country's top political advisory body will open its annual session on Thursday afternoon in Beijing.