Overview
On March 25, 2021, President Joe Biden announced a new China travel ban, targeting entry of non-U.S. citizens into the United States who have recently been in China. The announcement was made via a Tweet from the White House, calling it “the most comprehensive effort ever undertaken to protect the American people from the threat posed by travelers who have recently been in China.”
The move is the latest in a series of restrictions imposed since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which has seen international travel grind to a near halt
Background
The Biden administration had previously imposed a travel ban on 13 countries in Europe and then put additional restrictions on the remaining 25 member states. China was notably excluded from these earlier restrictions and it took the administration almost six weeks to impose a new ban on Chinese visitors.
The new ban does not restrict the passage of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. They may still travel to and from China, but must undergo quarantine and 14-day testing. The ban also includes travel to and from South Korea, Ireland, Brazil, India, Japan and South Africa.
Justification
The rationale for the China travel ban is two-fold. Firstly, there is concern about the spread of the novel coronavirus, which originated in China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that the risk of new variants of the virus emerging is real and that “early detection of cases, especially from countries with a high level of virus circulation” is critical.
Secondly, it’s thought that the ban is also in response to China’s authoritarian policies, human rights abuses, and its perceived “threatening behavior” towards its neighbors.
Reactions
The announcement of the travel ban was met with a degree of approval from some quarters.
Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador was one of the first to congratulate Biden’s efforts, tweeting his “support for measures to contain the spread of the virus.”
However, many have questioned the necessity and timing of the travel ban.
The American Immigration Council (AIC) released a statement urging the administration to “avoid using the travel ban as an ill-advised response to public health or diplomatic challenges.”
Approaches to Minimizing Travel-Related Risk
Experts have suggested a number of approaches to minimizing the risk associated with international travel. These include greater cooperation between countries to ensure rapid detection of new cases, an increase in vaccine access around the world, and more comprehensive screening procedures for those traveling from high-risk areas.
The White House also announced a range of measures intended to mitigate the risk from international travel, such as improved airport screening procedures and better tracking of those infected with COVID-19. However, these will take time to implement, and the effectiveness of the new travel ban will likely not be known for some time.
Interpreting the Ban
The China travel ban is likely to have a significant impact on international travel, particularly for Chinese nationals. The Biden administration has stated its intention to more effectively control the spread of the novel coronavirus and protect American citizens. Yet, how this will be achieved is unclear.
One interpretation is that it is a clear signal of the administration’s commitment to human rights, particularly in light of China’s clampdown on democracy activists in Hong Kong. Alternatively, it could be seen as a worrying sign that the administration is using increasingly restrictive measures, such as travel bans, to further isolate affected countries, limit international travel, and put up walls.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of the China travel ban is still being felt and evaluated, both domestically and abroad. In the US, the travel and tourism industry has been hit hard, with hotels, restaurants and airlines all experiencing significant declines in revenue. In China, tourism has also been hard hit, with international arrivals down by more than 90%.
The long-term impact of the travel ban is still yet to be determined. For now, it remains to be seen how the travel ban will affect the public health, economy and diplomatic relations of both countries in the long term.
Impact on Research and Education
The China travel ban has had a significant impact on the research and education community, particularly in the STEM fields. Chinese students and researchers are an important part of the American research and academic community, contributing to many areas of innovation and critical thought. The travel ban has curtailed collaboration and exchange of ideas between these two nations, making it difficult for research initiatives to progress as planned.
The ban has also led to a disruption in educational opportunities for Chinese students studying in the US. Many have had to return to China, unable to complete their studies, and face a prolonged period of uncertainty.
Conclusion
The China travel ban has created a complex situation, with both those in favor and those opposed claiming to have the best interests of the people at heart. The economic and social effects of the ban are still being felt, with no clear end in sight. What is clear, however, is that any potential benefits of the travel ban must take into account the wider implications, both domestically and internationally.
