The country is racing to vaccinate the public and reach herd immunity but there is no sign of restrictions easing for travellers any time soon, diplomats say.
Many companies fear that draconian travel restrictions may result in a fundamental shift away from the way business was done in China before the coronavirus.
More than a year after the country shut its borders, an exit strategy remains elusive.
200,000 of 845,000 foreigners living in the mainland have had the jab but many may be holding out for a foreign shot to become available.
The national inoculation campaign got off to a slow start but has picked up speed, with millions getting the shots each day.
Early estimates for reaching herd immunity were based on the original strain but estimates for emerging variants are higher.
Traders are feeling the pinch as they try to do everything online, while top-level meetings have been held virtually at a time when Beijing’s relations with major trade partners are worsening.
