A senior Chinese diplomat in the US has called for cooperation from Washington in restoring travel and trade between the two countries that have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic while noting China’s continued efforts to facilitate essential travels.
In response to a question about when China will lift travel restrictions, Zhao Jian, consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, said that China and the US should jointly combat the COVID-19 pandemic and create better conditions for the free exchange of personnel while taking necessary measures to prevent virus spread.
In a discussion with Michael Van Denend, executive director of World Affairs Council of Western Michigan(WACWM) on Tuesday, Zhao also noted that China has taken corresponding measures to open up convenient channels for people with humanitarian needs, corporate personnel, and foreign investors who urgently need to go to China to resume work and production, according to a Q&A transcript published on the Chinese Consulate-General website on Saturday.
However, given the considerable risk of surging imported COVID-19 cases in recent months, China must take relevant prevention and control measures, which have received the understanding and support of the vast majority of travelers, Zhao added.
The Chinese mainland reported eight new COVID-19 cases on Friday, all imported, according to media reports.
China currently requires a 14-day quarantine for all international arrivals, including Chinese citizens.