04:21China: Beijing will take reciprocal measures – MOFA spox on 'discriminatory' COVID-19 entry restrictions
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Wang Wenbin criticised the 'small number' of countries which have imposed entry restrictions on travellers from China and suggested his government will take reciprocal measures during a press conference in Beijing on Monday.
“It is regrettable that a small number of countries still insist on adopting discriminatory entry restrictions against China in disregard of science and facts. China firmly opposes this and will take reciprocal measures,” Wenbin told journalists.
“We hope that all parties will uphold scientific principles, jointly ensure the safe and smooth flow of personnel from all countries, and contribute to international unity and protest and the recovery of the world economy,” he added.
The spokesperson also urged the United States government to be transparent in sharing information and statistics regarding the Omicron XBB variant of COVID-19, claiming the US is the country with the largest number of variants and strains of the virus.
“At present, the new strain XBB.1.5, which has become the fastest growing strain in the United States, has caused more than 40% of the infections in the United States,” Wenbin said.
“The United States should promptly, openly and transparently share information and data on the epidemic situation in the United States with the World Health Organization and the international community, and take practical and effective measures to prevent further spread of the epidemic,” he added.
Beijing eased many of its ‘zero-COVID’ policies after an abrupt U-turn in December, following widespread protests and rising economic and social costs. The easing of restrictions has triggered a wave of new Coronavirus cases, reportedly overwhelming some hospitals and causing long queues outside crematoriums.
While the EU has failed to agree on a coordinated approach to travel restrictions for Chinese nationals, Germany, France Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden have all introduced stricter entry requirements.
04:21China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Wang Wenbin criticised the 'small number' of countries which have imposed entry restrictions on travellers from China and suggested his government will take reciprocal measures during a press conference in Beijing on Monday.
“It is regrettable that a small number of countries still insist on adopting discriminatory entry restrictions against China in disregard of science and facts. China firmly opposes this and will take reciprocal measures,” Wenbin told journalists.
“We hope that all parties will uphold scientific principles, jointly ensure the safe and smooth flow of personnel from all countries, and contribute to international unity and protest and the recovery of the world economy,” he added.
The spokesperson also urged the United States government to be transparent in sharing information and statistics regarding the Omicron XBB variant of COVID-19, claiming the US is the country with the largest number of variants and strains of the virus.
“At present, the new strain XBB.1.5, which has become the fastest growing strain in the United States, has caused more than 40% of the infections in the United States,” Wenbin said.
“The United States should promptly, openly and transparently share information and data on the epidemic situation in the United States with the World Health Organization and the international community, and take practical and effective measures to prevent further spread of the epidemic,” he added.
Beijing eased many of its ‘zero-COVID’ policies after an abrupt U-turn in December, following widespread protests and rising economic and social costs. The easing of restrictions has triggered a wave of new Coronavirus cases, reportedly overwhelming some hospitals and causing long queues outside crematoriums.
While the EU has failed to agree on a coordinated approach to travel restrictions for Chinese nationals, Germany, France Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden have all introduced stricter entry requirements.