Headhunters are struggling to attract new talent to Hong Kong, with people looking instead to places with more relaxed rules. List of countries for which the borders with Estonia are partially or completely open: On the boundary with Canada, cross-border hockey rivalries were community traditions until being upended by the pandemic. The deep freeze on international tourism due to Covid restrictions has been tough on most Asian economies, but for China, borders closed to tourists is a net positive, according to Bloomberg Economics research. Zhang Wenhong, who has been likened to Anthony Fauci, President Joe Bidens chief medical adviser, for his sober, science-based analysis, was pilloried online. August 17, 2021, 10:54 AM UTC In June, Hong Kong began loosening pandemic travel restrictions that, over the past 18 months, have transformed it from "Asia's World City" to one of the most. GDP in the first quarter of this year grew 18.3%; in the EU, it fell 0.6%. The outside world stands for chaos. China has maintained a strict zero-Covid approach, even as many other countries transition to living with the coronavirus. Beijing expelled at least 18 foreign correspondents last year, and few Western outlets have been granted visas for new journalists to be based in China, according to the Foreign Correspondents Club of China. Passengers walk through Salt Lake City International Airport, Oct. 27, 2020. appreciated. On Sunday, Zhong Nanshan, one of Chinas top epidemiologists and government advisers, suggested that the country may begin to loosen its COVID-zero restrictions by the end of the year and learn to live with the virusa potential change in tack for a country that has not budged from its mission to eliminate every single case of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. In March 2020, I wrote that life was returning to normal in China, but that other countries faced a longer wait. For 18 months, Chinas borders have been all but locked, with most foreigners banned from entering the country and residents able to enter only after serving 14- to 21-day mandatory quarantines. River Robinson's American partner wasn't able to be in Canada for the birth of their baby boy 17 months ago because of pandemic-related border closures. Did you encounter any technical issues? After being closed for three years, China will reopen its borders on January 8, 2023, and will eliminate the mandatory quarantine requirement for entry into the country, according to reports from the South China Morning Post. Reopening with China is the key political and economic priority for the government, says Thomas. Travelers from the United States with valid residence permits and visas are allowed to enter China. A closed border also gives the Chinese government more control on who they want to let into the country. The vaccination campaign initially targeted key workers and those with a high chance of being exposed to or transmitting the virus. Airlines will also collect information about passengers for contact tracing efforts. Any change to this message would take time and would also be embarrassing. This story has been updated to include Hong Kongs new quarantine rules formally announced late Tuesday evening. Visitors are strongly urged to keep on top of local restrictions and rule changes as much as possible. Xi's China is closing to the world. And it isn't just about borders For the most part, citizens and residents could enter the city after serving 14- to 21-day quarantines. Hong Kongs new quarantine rules put the citys COVID-19 response more in line with mainland Chinas policies. On Monday, Hong Kong declared the U.S., France, and 14 other countries as high-risk for COVID-19, meaning that Hong Kong travelers from a total of 25 countries would now have to stay in 21-day mandatory hotel quarantines regardless of vaccination status. Today (Saturday, 5 June 2021) the borders of China are fully open for 0/ 32 countries, partially open for 51/ 32 countries. Ben Cowling, an epidemiologist at Hong Kong University, says he suspects that Hong Kong citizens and residents may be split between a COVID-zero approach and opening up only with the mainland and a living with COVID approach and aiming toward quarantine-free travel with the rest of the world. When borders reopen to tourists, countries that ran large surpluses on their tourism accounts pre-Covid -- Thailand and New Zealand among others -- stand to gain the most, writes Asia Chief economist Chang Shu. Copyright The Economist Newspaper Limited 2023. In August, analysts at Goldman Sachs, Nomura, and other banks downgraded Chinas GDP forecasts because of Delta-driven waves in places such as Guangzhou and elsewhere. hide caption. The government rejected an offer for them to fly in by charter plane for a brief inspection visit in protective suits. But if it continues on its current path, theres no telling when China will feel confident enough to reopen the border, or what criteria Hong Kong needs to meet leaving the city at the whim of the central government, simply waiting to be allowed in. China is in the opposite camp, along with South Korea and the Philippines. All Rights Reserved. The Covid-19 pandemic started in Chinas Hubei province, but early and strict lockdowns originally helped keep the virus under control. The more the better: China said on Tuesday it would allow tax deductions for expenses on children under 3 years old, and strictly regulate the after-school tutoring sector, as part of its efforts to raise the countrys plunging birthrates by encouraging couples to have more children. When the campaign expanded to the general public in March of this year, most preferred to wait and see, especially because the chance of being infected while staying on the mainland is minuscule. She was thrilled to hear the U.S. is reopening its land crossings to vaccinated travelers. [China border complete information] Chinese universities announced yesterday about international s. For which countries are the borders with China open? Editors Note: A version of this story appeared in CNNs Meanwhile in China newsletter, a three-times-a-week update exploring what you need to know about the countrys rise and how it impacts the world. Updated A woman looks out at Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor on September 30. All Rights Reserved. But long before the warning, some Americans and other Westerners with long-lasting professional ties with China had already grown wary of visiting both mainland China and Hong Kong. Arguably, opening to China will bring in far more economic value, said Bernard Chan, convenor of the government advisory Executive Council. If the pandemic continues for a long time, even the strictest prevention and control methods will not work forever, Zhong said. This is of course one of the worlds greatest ancient civilizations. Tue 1 Jun 2021 09.00 EDT Last modified on Tue 1 Jun 2021 14.36 EDT. Today (Saturday, 5 June 2021) the borders of China are fully open for 0/ 32 countries, partially open for 51/ 32 countries. appreciated. This opacity is a problem. The citys government is desperate to open its border with mainland China. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The bottom line is that businesses should be aware that the risks faced in mainland China are now increasingly present in Hong Kong, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters. All rights reserved. Its just numbers, he said. Kovrig, an NGO worker and former diplomat, and Spavor, a businessman with a focus on North Korea, were detained following the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver. Mainland China is currently deploying measures like strict lockdowns while battling its own Delta-driven COVID-19 outbreaks, even as it has provided enough vaccine doses to inoculate two-thirds of its population. Footage broadcast by state news agency Xinhua and shared widely online shows passengers in Zhengzhou trapped inside a flooded subway car, packed tightly together as the water climbs higher. Non-vaccinated air travelers will be also able to enter but they will need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test. Finally, the west is doing its own reopening. But this approach has sowed growing discontent among the public, particularly foreign nationals, who make up nearly 10% of the citys 7.5 million population. As this border stretches more than 2000 kilometers, this Our vaccination rate has not reached 80%85% yet.. Updated The index case was a port worker, who as a member of a high-risk group was tested every five days. A good example of epidemiological rigour is provided by the current outbreak in Shenzhen. PDF China blog - January 2021 There have been numerous outbreaks of Covid-19 since last spring, varying in size from single cases to hundreds, but all of them have been ended swiftly, with modest, generally localised disruption. Among those who replied they would probably or definitely not visit, reasons ranged from previous visa rejections to outright fear of detention for themselves and for the Chinese people they work with or interview, and concerns that restrictions on movement, research, or reporting would compromise the professional value of spending time in China, said ChinaFile, which is published by the Asia Societys Center on US-China Relations. China won't open up after lockdown anytime soon The government has also struggled to increase vaccine uptake among older people, meaning a huge proportion of our population will be exposed to the problems associated with Delta the moment we open up internationally, Thomas said. This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline "Turning inward", Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents, Under Xi Jinping, he has had little chance to shine, But Chinas leaders are treading carefully for now, The countrys government is organised in a way that could help, Published since September 1843 to take part in a severe contest between intelligence, which presses forward, and an unworthy, timid ignorance obstructing our progress.. On Monday, the city increased the mandatory quarantine on Hong Kong residents returning from 16 countries, including the U.S., to 21 days. It has had only a few new cases in recent months. Its many dynasties have left their marks in world-famous heritage sites, such as the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors of Xian, and ancient towns such as Lijiang. Here, Zhuang Pinghui and Simone McCarthy look into what it . Chinese history has seen many cycles of opening and turning inward. Some provinces require additional quarantine upon arrival. I do understand that people are annoyed [by the new restrictions], Carrie Lam, Hong Kongs Chief Executive, said in a press conference on Tuesday. To avoid that, China should prepare for a fundamental shift away from its "zero Covid" mindset once it achieves its 80 per cent vaccination target and reaches herd immunity by the end of the year . 2021. Students have postponed their studies, threatening the finances of universities across the globe; small international businesses have shut down; and the belt and road initiative, designed to broaden Chinas global impact, has been slowed. Beijing, where top leaders live, is off limits. Rigorous testing and 20 million vaccinations a day might see Beijing ready to host the Winter Olympics 2022. Staying home is the best way to stem transmission. China now issues a few visas for temporary business and family visits. Travel Restrictions for U.S. Citizens Updated: 3:23pm, 21 Jun, 2021. . . Their concerns include rules obliging all international arrivals, including children, to quarantine in a hotel for three weeks, and to enter an isolation clinic if they test positive. 2023 Cable News Network. China may open its borders in October this year Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Health officials caution that travel increases your chances of getting and spreading the virus. for insight on whats dominating business in Asia, delivered free to your inbox. According to the World Health Organization, more than 40 countries have started vaccinating. But Chinese officials and state media have also pushed the narrative that it is a further vindication of Beijings rise and the Wests decline. The U.S. lifted restrictions Monday on travel from a long list of countries including Mexico, Canada and most of Europe, allowing tourists to make long-delayed trips and family members to reconnect with loved ones after more than a year and a half apart because of the pandemic. Zhongs comments suggest that Chinas government may be warming to the idea of learning to live with COVID, marking another shift in stance. Hong Kongs vaccination campaign has improved in recent months after a sluggish start, but 50% of Hong Kong residents remain completely unvaccinated. Surveys by the American and European chambers of commerce suggested the number of foreign residents in China had fallen by 30% in 18 months. Eventually, China's Borders Will Reopen. Will Foreigners Return? .css-16c7pto-SnippetSignInLink{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;}Sign In, Copyright 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved, adidas Promo Code - $30 Off 1000s of Best-Sellers + Free Shipping, 60% off running shoes and apparel at Nike without a promo code, Save 15% on orders of $100+ with Kohl's coupon. Canada will finally open its borders, first to Americans, beginning August 9 By Paula Newton, CNN Updated 5:28 PM EDT, Mon July 19, 2021 . At present, most visitors are not yet allowed entry to the country. It is not clear how many people were trapped on the subway and rescue efforts remain ongoing across Zhengzhou, a city of 12.6 million on the banks of the Yellow River. But in May, EU regulators trying to inspect a vaccine production site near Beijing were stymied by Chinese officials who insisted that those busy scientists would have to spend three weeks in quarantine. After three years, China reopens its borders - Aviacionline.com By Sue-Lin Wong: Correspondent, The Economist. China won't open up after lockdown anytime soon 26 September 2021 Author: Nicholas Thomas, CityU What is normal in a post-pandemic world? There will be CDC workers spot-checking travelers for compliance in the U.S. At land borders, Customs and Border Protection agents will check vaccine proof. Given Chinas zero tolerance for Covid cases, it is likely that some restrictions might stay in place until the Beijing Winter Olympics next February, or even as late as the 20th Communist Party Congress next fall both politically important events of which Beijing wants to ensure absolute success. China is basically going to pursue the zero-tolerance strategy for the foreseeable future, which means Hong Kong can either go in opposition (and open internationally) or align with China.. Visits by political leaders from abroad have largely ceased. A single case can lead to city-wide testing and lockdown. China May Have More to Lose If Borders Open to Tourists. Chinas government also recently announced that it will not welcome foreign spectators for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, which are scheduled to start in February of next year. If Hong Kong reopens to international travel, it almost certainly will see a spike in infections and lose all chance of reopening with China. Video. Editors Note: Coronavirus cases remain high across the globe. West reopens its borders, but will that affect China's 'zero COVID That month, Chinas retail sales also grew by 2.5% compared with July, marking the slowest growth rate in over a year due in part to COVID-19 outbreaks and government-imposed lockdowns. Finally, though open discussion of this question is taboo, the authorities are being oddly secretive about how well Chinese-made vaccines work. When China is reopening its border in 2021 for foreigners? Neither option is ideal.. The Spaniard had apparently tested positive for antibodies, either as a result of having been vaccinated or after recovering from a bout of covid-19. Lots of Chinese are cross about a lack of overseas praise for their countrys strict approach. This week, it further clarified that the change although not yet legislated has already been effective since the announcement, amid confusion over its implementation. The people who want to open up international travel expats, people with families abroad unfortunately, thats a minority. Would-be travelers must be careful as flights can be canceled at the last minute. Hong Kong closed its borders to non-residents in early 2020 at the start of the pandemic. Chinese officials declined to explain. FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Their resentment is both sincere and stoked by propaganda that accuses American leaders of slandering China to cover up their cruel incompetence and 600,000 pandemic deaths. China brought us papermaking, printing, and, of course, tea. When will China open its borders? Fears among investors are growing over a debt crisis that has engulfed one of Chinas largest property developers. Terms & Conditions. Terms & Conditions. Hong Kong may prove to be a bellwether. Indonesia and Thailand are among those now planning booster jabs with Western vaccines, at least for medical workers. Did you encounter any technical issues? Nicholas Thomas, a professor of health governance at the City University of Hong Kong, says that such strict measures may be necessary to protect Hong Kong citizens from a new outbreak, especially owing to the fact that much of the city remains vulnerable to infection. FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. As many as half a million foreign students at Chinese institutions are stuck outside the country: their visas were cancelled in March 2020. It has been about 2 years that foreign students cannot come to China, but there are still possibilities that C. At least 12 people have been confirmed dead in Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, where more than 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) of rain fell in one hour on Tuesday, according to the meteorological observatory. How does China reopen its borders without losing its grip on Covid-19 Why you can trust SCMP . You can also find trackers showing the global roll-out of vaccines, excess deaths by country and the viruss spread across Europe and America. Updated 3:31 AM EDT, Fri October 8, 2021 Link Copied! Powered and implemented by Interactive Data Managed Solutions. In the politically tumultuous two years following the 2019 Hong Kong protests, China has extended more and more of its reach into the city and in return, Lams administration has stepped up its rhetoric emphasizing integration with the mainland. But quite a few have also had enough. Hong Kongs tight border controls proved effective in keeping the virus at bay, and the city has registered 212 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, compared with over 33,000 deaths in New York City and 15,000 deaths in London. Continue reading your article witha WSJ subscription, Already a member? Copyright The Economist Newspaper Limited 2023. Your browser does not support the