According to a Xinhua report, by Jan 3, China had received vaccine orders for more than 500 million doses from at least 16 countries. For instance, the Philippines, Brazil, Chile, Turkey and Indonesia ordered 25 million, 46 million, 60 million, 50 million and nearly 100 million doses each, respectively.

Li Shanshan, a healthcare columnist at news website Zaker, said that ever since COVID-19 broke out, Chinese vaccine manufacturers have been nimble in their response. Five vaccine candidates have reached the third stage of clinical tests, receiving overseas orders across Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

In the process, Chinese vaccine enterprises have created more chances for themselves to know about the international markets, and are more motivated and encouraged now to export their vaccines. The whole industry has reached a new development stage, she said.

Chen Qiaoshan, an independent medical analyst, said: "The research and development process of Chinese vaccine manufacturers has proved that the vaccine innovation capability of Chinese enterprises is as good as that of multinational corporations. With the export experience, China is also improving its international influence and credibility in the vaccine industry."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a news conference in January that China has joined the WHO-led COVAX initiative to support the G20 members in promoting international cooperation on vaccines and multilateral cooperation to promote the equitable global distribution of vaccines.

According to some data, more than 40 countries are believed to have sought to import vaccines from China. "We believe that with the continuous expansion of production capacity, China will gradually increase the supply of vaccines to countries in need," she said.

Hua said that at present, Chinese companies are actively discussing cooperation with COVAX. "China is willing to contribute to the realization of vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries through COVAX."

Yin from Sinovac said the company's COVID-19 vaccine production is now in full swing, to ensure adequate vaccine supply domestically as well as to keep its commitment of offering vaccines as a global public good to the rest of the world.

"I am an entrepreneur; I am also a scientist. What we are doing now is to lower the cost while increasing the accessibility of the vaccine, so that the vaccine made in China can be recognized by more countries and regions around the world, and protect as many people as possible," Yin said.