Vaccine for visa: China enforces new rules for foreign travelers
China, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, is poised to ease curbs for travelers from several countries, including India. It, however, has attached a rider to it — foreign travelers will have to be inoculated with one Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine. As per the new policy, China would simplify the visa application process for those who can furnish certificates about taking Chinese jabs.
The policy aims to 'resume people-to people exchanges'
Chinese embassies in at least 20 nations, including the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Germany, Italy, the United States, Israel, and India, informed about the new policy meant to "resume people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries." Two weeks ago, the Philippines received 600,000 vaccine doses from Beijing, which helped it begin its vaccination drive. But the doses aren't easily available everywhere, for example in India.
Chinese official said efficacy of vaccines was taken into consideration
When Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian was quizzed about the idea behind the policy and was also apprised that Chinese vaccines are not available in several countries, he replied that a number of nations have talked about linking vaccination with easing foreign travel rules. He claimed the decision was taken after "thoroughly considering the safety and efficacy of Chinese vaccines."
Zhao dubbed China's proposal a 'meaningful step'
Zhao was also asked if it wouldn't have been better had China promoted the vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). Notably, the global body is yet to give a green signal to Chinese-made vaccines but has approved the ones developed by AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Moderna. "China's proposal is a meaningful step. We are trying to facilitate international travel," he replied.
'It's not linked to the recognition of Chinese vaccines'
"We believe this is a meaningful exploration of facilitating international travel once mass vaccination has been achieved. It is not linked to the recognition of Chinese vaccines," Zhao said. He, however, didn't reveal how the visa application process would be simplified for travelers.
China has been closed for foreigners since March 2020
Anyone who has either received two doses of the vaccine or a single-dose vaccine at least two weeks before applying for the visa will be covered under the new policy. But getting vaccinated doesn't imply that travelers can skip quarantine; they would still have to isolate themselves for up to three weeks. To recall, China had closed its doors to foreign travelers last March.
