Called COVID-19 Restrictions In Non-Proportional Countries And Unreceived, China: We Reject Political Goals

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mao Ning. (Source: fmprc.gov.cn)

JAKARTA - China said on Tuesday it plans to take precautions regarding entry restrictions for COVID-19 targeting travelers from the country, saying Beijing "firmly opposes" the practice of manipulating coronavirus control measures to achieve political goals.

Countries such as Japan, the United States, Britain, and France have decided to strengthen border controls for visitors from China, requiring them to test negative against the virus, as cases surged in China following the easing of the zero-COVID policy in December, according to Kyodo News January 3.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said in a daily press conference that entry restrictions only targeted China "lack of scientific basis" and Beijing would "take action in accordance with reciprocal principles."

"We do not believe that the entry restrictions taken by several countries against China are science-based. Some of these actions are disproportionate and unacceptable," Mao Ning said Tuesday, launching the Chinese Foreign Ministry website.

"We firmly reject using COVID measures for political purposes, will take appropriate action in responding to various situations through reciprocal principles," he stressed.

Mao Ning mengatakan, China siap untuk meningkatkan komunikasi dengan komunitas internasional lainnya dan bekerja sama untuk mengatasi COVID.

"Since China lifted restrictive measures, many countries have responded warmly. We appreciate this and will continue to adapt and adapt to our COVID response steps taking into account the latest COVID situation, further facilitating safe and orderly cross-border travel for Chinese citizens. foreign, as well as exchange and international cooperation," he explained.

It is known that China is scheduled to reopen borders, removing quarantine provisions for the arrival of foreigners on Sunday, very different from the strict "zero-COVID" policy involving lockdowns and isolation measures at designated facilities.