China Considers Introducing Vaccine Passports... Prioritizing Hong Kong and Macau Implementation

Under Review for EU Free Movement, Apparently Also Discussing with Korea
Planning Vaccine Supply to Overseas Chinese Worldwide

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China's state-run Global Times reported on the 8th that the Chinese government is reviewing the implementation of vaccine passports, which may be introduced first in Hong Kong and Macau. They are also considering supplying vaccines to overseas Chinese worldwide.

Wang Yi, China's State Councilor in charge of foreign affairs and Foreign Minister, stated at a press conference of the National People's Congress (NPC) held the previous day that China is willing to discuss mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination with other countries.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Minister Wang said, "We will introduce a China-style electronic international travel health certificate," adding, "We will realize mutual recognition of COVID-19 nucleic acid test and vaccination information to facilitate safe human movement."

The European Union (EU) is already reviewing the issuance of vaccine passports to resume travel within the region.

Zhu Zhengfu, Vice President of the All China Lawyers Association and a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that China may encourage the public to get vaccinated and issue new travel certificates to those who have been vaccinated.

To this end, a plan is being considered to first introduce the system in Hong Kong and Macau, exempting vaccinated individuals from 14-day quarantine upon entering the mainland.

It is also reported that discussions regarding vaccine passports are underway with South Korea.

China is also planning to provide Chinese-made vaccines to overseas Chinese worldwide. Minister Wang said that vaccination centers will be established in qualified countries to provide Chinese vaccines to overseas compatriots. He emphasized that Chinese vaccines have already been supplied to 69 developing countries and exported to 43 countries, proving their efficacy.

Minister Wang added that China is willing to cooperate with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to provide vaccines to athletes at the Olympics.