Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee says quarantine-free travel to mainland China next year ‘very realistic possibility’
- City leader John Lee says talks with mainland officials over easing of cross-border Covid-19 restrictions have restarted
- Quarantine-free travel to mainland next year is possible, he adds
Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu has struck an optimistic note over possible quarantine-free travel with mainland China next year, as he revealed talks with officials across the border on easing Covid-19 travel measures had recently restarted.
Lee on Saturday said he would adopt a step-by-step strategy in the negotiations, including fighting for more quarantine slots for residents who wanted to cross the land border, as well as for allowing truck drivers to benefit from less restrictive regulations.
“Quarantine-free travel with the mainland in 2023 is a very realistic possibility to me,” Lee told media representatives at a closed-doors event at the Hong Kong News-Expo.
“I know you may need a time frame on when in 2023. I hope it will be as soon as possible, as I am burning with impatience too. But I am confident about it.”
Lee explained he had to consider the risks for his mainland counterparts, rather than fighting for the city alone.
He said there should be “win-win” solutions for all concerned, instead of just benefits for Hong Kong.