Foreigners planning to enter China can do so but only if they have been treated with the country's own vaccines.
China embassies are issuing guidelines for foreigners who want to apply for visas to the country. They say it will be easier for foreigners who have been immunized with coronavirus vaccines made by China pharmaceutical companies. Those administered with other companies' products will have to provide strong reasons for entry.
Visitors will have to hold immunization certificates. A two-week quarantine is still required.
Business and humanitarian visitors will find entry requirements made easier.
British nationals entering to visit relatives can apply for visas. Those treated with other companies' vaccines can apply for entry for funerals or if a family member is in need of care.
China is being questioned about the vaccine regulations and accused of promoting its own companies' products.
The visa policies are "not linked to the recognition of Chinese vaccines," foreign ministry representative Zhao Lijian said. China is trying to return to regular international travel "in an orderly fashion."
As of March, 34 countries have approved the use of at least one China-made vaccine.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government has approved a fifth vaccine for emergency use. It was developed by China's Center for Disease Control with the help of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
According to a statement from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' institute of microbiology, the last phase trials are being conducted in Indonesia, Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
There is no information about the vaccine in peer-reviewed scientific journals. However, a representative for Anhui said trial data is being provided to health authorities.
