In this July 28, 2021 photo, China's new Ambassador to the United States Qin Gang makes remarks to Chinese and US media upon arrival in the United States. (LIU JIE / XINHUA)

WASHINGTON – Major countries must shoulder responsibilities, take the lead to provide COVID-19 vaccines for low-and middle-income countries, and help them foster production capacity as the Omicron variant is rapidly spreading around the globe, the Chinese ambassador to the United States said on Tuesday.

"As the Omicron variant is rapidly spreading around the globe, we are facing a very severe situation. Therefore, it is pressing to ensure ample supply and fair distribution of vaccines," said Qin Gang.

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As the representative of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Qin made the remarks while attending the Virtual Meeting on COVID-19 Omicron Variant hosted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

China has been working hard to make COVID-19 vaccines global public goods, and help meet the vaccination targets of the World Health Organization

Qin Gang, Chinese ambassador to the US

Issues such as the global impact of and response to the Omicron variant were discussed at the meeting, joined by several foreign ministers and representatives of regional organizations.

China has been working hard to make COVID-19 vaccines global public goods, and help meet the vaccination targets of the World Health Organization, said Qin.

According to him, China has provided nearly 2 billion doses of vaccines for more than 120 countries and international organizations so far, making China the largest supplier of vaccines to other countries.

On top of $100 million in donations to COVAX, China has pledged to donate an additional 100 million doses of vaccines to developing countries, and provide another 1 billion doses of vaccines to Africa.

One-third of 5.6 billion shots of COVID-19 vaccines administered outside China were provided by China, said Qin.

Calling on the international community to fight the pandemic together, the Chinese envoy said: "We must oppose disinformation and vaccine discrimination, and raise the vaccination rate."

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China will continue to work with the international community to advance international cooperation on COVID-19, narrow the global "immunity gap" and jointly build a global community of health for all, he said.

Noting that the Omicron variant poses a new challenge to Beijing Winter Olympic Games, he said, “China will take more effective measures to protect athletes and guests of all countries. We are confident to host a streamlined, safe and splendid Winter Olympics.”