Philippines' Duterte defends purchase of Chinese COVID-19 vaccine

MANILA (Reuters) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte defended his government’s decision to purchase Chinese-made coronavirus vaccines, saying they are as good as the shots developed by the Americans and the Europeans. “The Chinese are not lacking in brains,” Duterte said in a late-night televised address on Wednesday. “The Chinese are bright. They would not venture (into producing vaccines) if it is not safe, sure and secure.” Duterte made the remarks as questions have been raised over the level of protection Sinovac Biotech’s experimental COVID-19 vaccine can provide, after researchers in Brazil released late-stage clinical data showing efficacy that was lower…