China has vowed to fight back, claiming some countries have imposed coronavirus-related restrictions on travelers coming to the country for “political purposes”. This suggests that the novel coronavirus remains a politically sensitive issue for officials, even if the Chinese government tolerates the spread of the virus.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning told a regular news conference on the 3rd: “I think some countries have introduced immigration restrictions aimed only at China, which lacks scientific basis. I can’t,” he said.
“China resolutely opposes attempts to manipulate the prevention and control of the new coronavirus for political ends. China will take corresponding measures according to the principle of reciprocity in various situations,” Paddy added. No individual country names were mentioned. China is ready to “strengthen information exchange with the international community and work together to defeat the coronavirus,” she said.
Some countries, such as the US and UK, require travelers from China to show proof of a negative coronavirus test before entering the country. Since December 30, 2018, Japan has conducted a new corona test upon arrival for travelers from mainland China and those who have visited the mainland within 7 days. In principle, those who test positive will be quarantined for a week. Taiwan has announced a policy to isolate positive people.
China has lifted its nearly three-year “zero-corona” policy, but under the policy, all visitors must be quarantined in hotels and other facilities, making it extremely difficult to enter the country.
news-rsf-original-reference paywall">Original title:China vows to fight back as nations impose Covid travel restrictions(extract)
