China's Foreign Ministry Issues An Appeal To Its Citizens Not To Travel Abroad

Lustrasi - Passengers prepare to board a Sichuan Airlines plane at Jiangbei International Airport, Chongqing City, China, on May 22, 2021.

JAKARTA - The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued an appeal to residents to avoid traveling abroad.

"Due to the dire situation of COVID-19 in the world, China advises its citizens to avoid unnecessary overseas travel", said MFA spokesman Zhao Lijian in Beijing.

Unfortunately, he did not provide further explanation as to whether the appeal also applies to several parties in China who wish to travel to Japan in connection with organizing the Olympics in Tokyo.

Previously Antara in Beijing had received an official notification from the MFA International Media Center regarding the ease of access for foreign journalists and for holders of valid resident permits could return directly to China without having to apply for a new visa.

The policy, which will be effective as of May 21, 2021, also applies to foreign media in China who intend to carry out coverage of the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

With this policy, foreign media who hold resident permits are allowed to return to China without being required to apply for a new visa after returning from Japan.

However, the mandatory quarantine for 21 to 28 days and health requirements in China still apply.

Previously, the United States government issued an appeal to its citizens not to travel to Japan regarding the COVID-19 case.