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Source:
https://scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3131477/beijing-considers-china-us-exchange-after-america-declares Diplomacy
Beijing considers China-US exchange after America declares easing of pandemic entry rules
- China’s foreign ministry did not commit to a specific reciprocal arrangement but said Beijing would ‘push for safe and orderly personnel exchanges’
- The easing of restrictions by the US will trigger more demand for flights as Chinese students and others prepare to travel
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian says Beijing welcomes the “positive move” by the US to allow entry by students, academics and journalists from various countries, including China, more than a year after pandemic restrictions hit. Photo: Getty Images/AFP
China said it was willing to resume a travel exchange with the United States following an announcement by the US it was easing some coronavirus travel bans.
The US has announced it will allow students and professionals in various categories and from various countries, including China, to enter the country.
Journalists, students and academics covered by visitor exchange programmes and travellers from Brazil, Britain, China, Iran, Ireland, the Schengen Area (covering most European Union countries) and South Africa who “provide vital support for critical infrastructure” may now qualify for a “national interest exception” which would allow them entry to the US.
The US Department of State said students with valid visas could enter the United States 30 days before school started in August. They would not need an individual national interest exception to travel.
The announcement comes more than a year after the US suspended entry for travellers who had been in mainland China 14 days before travelling because of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Wednesday that China welcomed the “positive move”.
“The Chinese side … thinks this is a positive step taken by the US side,” Zhao said.
“China has achieved significant results in containing the epidemic. We hope the US side can make proper arrangements to facilitate the entry of Chinese personnel, and create favourable conditions for resuming personnel exchanges between the two sides.”
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Beijing has called for the Biden administration to resume exchanges between the two countries, allowing the entry of Chinese students and journalists who had increasing difficulty obtaining US visas under the Trump administration.
Asked about whether China would make reciprocal arrangement for American travellers, Zhao said: “China, under the premise of safety, will study and have an overview on the matter of foreign students coming to China, maintain communication with all parties and push for safe and orderly personnel exchanges.”
China has imposed strict control measures on foreigners who want to travel to the country since March last year, with Beijing viewing travel limits as crucial to the country’s success in containing the epidemic and preventing new outbreaks through imported cases.
Chinese news outlet Caixin reported on Wednesday that American airlines were preparing more flights to travel between China and the United States.
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The report, quoting an unnamed US airline insider, said American aviation firms were waiting for the approval of the Chinese authorities.
United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines suspended flights to China in early 2020 because of the pandemic. Some of those flights resumed in July.
The report said the US’ easing of restrictions meant Chinese students could visit the US, triggering demand for more flights.