Beijing said that after COVID-19 cases plummeted and opened up to foreign countries, various countries "imposed discriminatory immigration measures targeting China."Chinese government officials have announced that they will take "reciprocal measures" for foreigners entering China. Post-COVID Chinese travelers are now facing entry restrictions at their destinations despite reports from Chinese authorities that they have witnessed a decline in COVID cases past the peak of the epidemic wave.
We are taking measures
This is the first time Chinese authorities have taken action against a country that has recently suspended visa issuance for South Korean and Japanese travelers wishing to visit China and has imposed COVID requirements on Chinese travelers. .China's foreign ministry said countries should "ensure that COVID response measures are factual, scientifically based and appropriate" and "must not be discriminatory and limit normal cross-border travel." should not be affected,” he said.
Macau is best positioned
These reciprocal measures could affect gambling trips by Chinese to South Korean casinos over the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, increasing visits to less regulated areas such as Macau and the Philippines.Macau appears to be in the best position ahead of the Lunar New Year, having lifted all screening requirements for arrivals from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan on January 1.Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also said the government will not impose travel restrictions on Chinese tourists.
Singapore and Vietnam have lifted COVID-related border restrictions and resumed or increased flights to mainland China as the Lunar New Year approaches.Meanwhile, Malaysia plans to set up a separate arrival zone for travelers from China, including rapid antigen testing and quarantine of suspected persons.
The Zero Policy Spurred Economic Growth
China recently opened up but continues its zero COVID policy.Justifying the policy, which has lasted for three years, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: "China became the first major country in the world to record positive economic growth in 3 precisely because of its dynamic zero-COVID policy."The spokesman added that "China's COVID situation is improving and some provinces and cities have passed the peak of infections."
CNY Brings Economic Benefits
Contrary to these words, some countries have chosen to impose stricter inspection measures on Chinese tourists.However, countries such as Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines prefer to balance these measures so as not to impede travel to and from China before the holidays.The festival season fills up the entertainment and casino facilities in these regions and is likely to drive economic gains in all countries, recording increasing numbers of passengers gearing up for the Chinese New Year celebrations.
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