China Likely to Ease Border Controls in Early June After Two Sessions

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] According to the Global Times on the 19th, China is expected to ease border controls around early June following the conclusion of the Two Sessions (Lianghui), its largest political event.

The newspaper also reported that since the COVID-19 situation is well controlled in China, South Korea, and some other countries, the easing of border controls will enable the resumption of international exchanges.

Professor Wang Hongwei of Renmin University predicted, "After the Two Sessions, China is expected to gradually ease border controls around early June," adding, "Chinese students who have completed their studies abroad, important businesspeople, and necessary production technicians will be given priority to return to China."

He added, "Border control is a temporary emergency measure, and since COVID-19 is gradually subsiding in some countries, it will not last long," and "In the era of globalization, easing controls will help the recovery of business activities."

Zhou Zjun, a public health expert at Peking University, also said, "China's COVID-19 testing capabilities have improved and the spread situation has calmed. China can now properly handle imported cases from overseas, so it is time to lift some restrictions on business travel."

However, he noted, "It does not seem likely that general tourists will be allowed entry to China in the short term," indicating that normal tourist exchanges like before the COVID-19 outbreak are still difficult.

According to Chinese aviation authorities, approval for resuming international flights has not yet been granted in China. Since the end of March, China has blocked foreign nationals from entering except for special purposes and limited international airline operations to once a week.

The aviation industry is preparing in advance, keeping in mind the possibility that China will ease border controls and expand international flights after the Two Sessions. Asiana Airlines has prepared to resume 12 routes to China next month, and Korean Air has also included routes such as Beijing, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, and Qingdao in its operation plans in anticipation of entry restrictions being lifted within June.