For the last sixteen months, the world’s most populous country has kept its borders almost entirely closed. Visitors can usually enter China only for specific “business” purposes, and if they have received a Chinese vaccine. Students, non-essential workers, and family members have seen their visas rejected. Those who get approval must submit to a hotel quarantine lasting 14 to 21 days — plus humiliating, medically unnecessary, weekly anal swabs. Unsurprisingly, the flow of foreign visitors has slowed to a trickle. China’s State Council reportedly plans to start reopening its borders in the second half of 2022. But this timeline is not credible. Covid-19 likely cannot ever be eradicated globally. And while China’s vaccine rollout has been extraordinary, Chinese vaccines barely work against the Delta variant, which is now dominant around the world. Reopening borders next year would therefore mean telling the Chinese people to tolerate infections and outbreaks after…
Tony Abbott calls for stronger action to end ‘pro-Hamas’ protests
Former prime minister Tony Abbott has called for stronger action on antisemitism in the wake of further attacks against the Jewish community, including tougher policing…
Thought Leader: Tony Abbott
Marc Short on Musk’s Potential Third Political Party
Marc Short, former White House Director of Legislative Affairs, offers his perspective on Elon Musk’s rumored third political party and how it could bring renewed…
Thought Leader: Marc Short
Ian Bremmer: Elon Musk vows to start a new political party
Elon Musk wants to start a new political party and it’s already making waves. Ian Bremmer, political scientist and founder of Eurasia Group, provides unmatched…
Thought Leader: Ian Bremmer
