Editorial | China’s doors are open again in a move that will boost trade and trust
- The country has been largely closed of to the world for the past three years because of Covid; now visas are once again being issued, a blessing for business and mutual understanding at a time of heightened tensions
Tourists and businesspeople have waited three years, as China remained largely closed to the outside world, to regain unimpeded access. The final dismantling of Covid-related restrictions on travel to the mainland, with Beijing’s restoration of multiple-visit visas has, understandably, been welcomed with enthusiastic relief.
Even if more steps need to be taken, it will be good for China’s and the world’s economy. The commercial dividends should flow quickly.
But there is more to it than that. People exchanges are important to understanding between countries.
The greater the tension between East and West, such as between China and the United States, the more important are people exchanges in sustaining an underlying narrative that counters misunderstanding and prejudice.
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China set to open its borders to foreign tourists for the first time since Covid-19 pandemic
Even since China abruptly reversed its zero-Covid policy at the end of last year, foreigners, and particularly businesspeople, have not found it easy to visit. This goes beyond the negative economic effects.
China-US tension is contagious among US allies, particularly Canada and Australia. The West in general is exposed to a strong anti-China narrative to which Beijing responds vigorously.