China has never pursued geopolitical goals and economic gains, or attached any political strings in its aid to the global fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday.

"We Chinese are always ready to reciprocate acts of friendship and kindness from others," Wang said when explaining why China had been keen to help other countries fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

"When our friends are in trouble, we never sit by and do nothing," Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual national legislative session.

Noting that some political forces are mischaracterizing China's intention, Wang said China has done everything in the open and has a clear conscience.

Nothing China does to help other countries' COVID-19 response is "out of geopolitical calculation, or in pursuit of economic gains, or with any political strings attached," Wang stressed.

He said in providing assistance, China's only goal is to save as many lives as possible.

"We have but one belief, that is one country's success does not mean the end of the global pandemic. It is only when the virus is defeated in all countries can we claim a true victory," Wang said.