China's embassy in Kuala Lumpur has denied a report quoting sources that linked Beijing's promise for Putrajaya to get priority access to Covid-19 vaccines with the release of six ships detained over alleged encroachment.

Its spokesperson Tang Tang in a statement to Malaysiakini said the report by Nikkei Asia had made a connection between "two independent events" - the China-Malaysia vaccine cooperation and the release of China’s fishing vessels anchoring in Johor waters.

"On Oct 9, six China fishing vessels en route to Africa had to anchor in Malaysian waters due to mechanical failure...