By Hajira Khota                                                                                                                                                            26.10.2021

Experts are concerned that Beijing’s new policy, which makes it simpler for foreigners to apply for a visa to China provided they have received a Chinese vaccine, could, set a catastrophic precedent that, could lead to the world being divided into vaccine silos.

There was also a practical issue: Chinese vaccines are unavailable in many countries, including the United States, because they have not been licensed for use by regulators.

With China essentially back in business and infection rates low, it’s probable that many may try the method soon, especially as the number of people vaccinated in the US continues to climb.

China has the appropriate medical measures and expertise to deal with individuals who have the Chinese vaccine, that’s according to Zoon Ahmed Khan, Pakistani Researcher and Journalist who spoke to Radio Islam International.

“To avoid a return of infections due to imported cases, China restricts foreign nationals’ access to specific purposes, such as work, and those who are allowed in must still undergo quarantine”.

Approving the BioNTech vaccine, which has a remarkable 97% efficiency, could also help China improve immunity levels among its own people, despite concerns about the low efficacy of domestic vaccines and supply problems.

The International Travel Health Certificate (ITHC), China’s version of a vaccine passport, was developed to allow vaccinated individuals to travel more freely. The country is also leaning toward licensing more vaccines, including those developed outside of China, making it easier for Chinese living abroad and foreigners planning to visit China to join the ITHC.

Khan says that we need to find a lasting solution to the challenges that we are facing.

Where applicable, the country’s quarantine measures of up to 21 days remain in effect and a negative Covid test must be presented. After getting a Chinese vaccine, applicants must wait 14 days before applying for a visa to enter China.

In the face of a growing anti-China front led by the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping appealed for global collaboration, warning that recovering from the corona-virus outbreak will require an “open world economy.”

[LISTEN] to the podcast here