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Early test results showed CoronaVac had protected monkeys from infection. But with case numbers among humans low in China, biotech company Sinovac is looking to start trials in other countries to quickly prove the vaccine can have the same effect in humans. Scientists have started phase two human trials with more than 1,000 volunteers and is in talks for larger studies.

Spokeswoman Helen Yang said: “We are speaking to several European countries and I think did discuss with the UK as well. Currently it’s a very preliminary stage for the discussion.”

The company is also building a production plant in Beijing with the aim of producing 100 million doses. Ms Yang told Sky News the firm says the vaccine is given to the most vulnerable at first.

She said: “We are firstly targeting high-risk groups, for example, health workers or senior citizens, who may have a higher level of fatality rate.”

Asked whether the vaccine would work, researcher Luo Baishan said: “Yes, yes. It must be successful…99% [sure].”

Chinese president Xi Jinping has pledged that any Chinese vaccine would be a “global public good”. 

AstraZeneca, partnered with the Oxford Vaccine Group, has said the UK would get the vaccine first but is working on global supply.

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