China will give Mekong countries priority access to COVID-19 vaccines once one is developed and put into use, Premier Li Keqiang said on Aug 24.

Premier Li made the remarks when attending the third Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) leaders' meeting via video link.

China will set up special funds to promote public health under the LMC Special Fund framework and continue to provide anti-epidemic materials and technical support to Mekong countries, he said. 

Stressing the significance of solidarity and cooperation in the global fight against the pandemic, Premier Li said China is willing to work with Mekong countries to support the work of the World Health Organization.

Initiated by China in 2014, the LMC consists of six countries, namely China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Lancang River originates on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Southwest China. It is called the Mekong River as it flows through the other five countries before emptying into the sea.