Beijing Condemns Decision of Several Countries on Mandatory Testing for Travelers from China

Beijing condemned on Tuesday the decision of several countries regarding mandatory testing for incoming travelers from China, warning that it could respond with ‘countermeasures’ in retaliation.

State media in China downplay the severity of the rise in Covid-19 cases ahead of an expected briefing by scientists from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday.

At the meeting, the WHO hopes to receive detailed data on the evolution of the virus.

Both in China and abroad, there is concern over the abrupt shift by authorities who on December 7 changed the previously strict zero-Covid policy to measures of relaxation, raising questions about the accuracy of data on case numbers and mortality.

More than a dozen countries have imposed Covid tests for travelers from China in recent days, believing that the country is not transparent in releasing data and fearing the emergence of new variants.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the entry bans by some countries as ‘simply unreasonable’ and believes there is ‘no scientific basis’ for them.

– We are willing to improve communication with the world – said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning to reporters in Beijing.

– However… we firmly oppose attempts to manipulate epidemic prevention and control measures for political purposes, and we will take appropriate measures in various situations based on the principle of reciprocity – she stated.

China’s departure from the ‘zero Covid cases’ policy introduced by President Xi Jinping occurred after protests that were the strongest display of public resistance during Xi’s decade in power and coincided with the slowest economic growth in nearly half a century.

As the virus spreads uncontrollably, funeral businesses have reported an increase in demand for their services, and international health experts predict at least one million deaths in China this year.

WHO Meeting

The World Health Organization has called on Chinese health officials to regularly share accurate and real-time data.

The WHO has urged Chinese scientists to present detailed data on viral sequencing at the technical advisory group meeting on Tuesday. It has also requested that China share data on hospitalizations, deaths, and vaccinations.

European Union health officials will meet on Wednesday to coordinate a response.

China will stop requiring incoming travelers to go into quarantine starting January 8. However, it will still require testing before entering the country.