China eases rules for U.S. business travelers, admits Reuters in 10 days

By Andrea Shalal and David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – China will reduce the time it takes for U.S. business executives to accept travel by more than 10 days.

The Qin Gang, which arrived in the US in July, said at a dinner hosted by the US-China Business Council that Beijing would also work to make the COVID-19 tests more convenient and for executives to work in quarantine.

Qin said Beijing was following President Xi Jinping’s policy of renewing “fast-track” travel arrangements, as the U.S. responded to concerns about resuming business travel after Xi met with U.S. President Joe Biden last month.

“With the appropriate arrangement, the time required to approve the trip will be shorter, with a maximum of 10 working days,” he said.

Qin said Beijing would share its detailed work plan “very soon” with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

He said Beijing is committed to establishing the spirit of Xi and Biden’s latest virtual summit and incorporating “more positive energy into our relations.”

Qin called for stronger cooperation in manufacturing, financial services and the energy sector.

Beijing has also reiterated its call for Washington to remove the additional tariffs imposed on Chinese goods by the administration of former President Donald Trump.

Marc Allen, CEO of Boeing (NYSE 🙂 Co., welcomed the announcement of a fast trip and the decision by the Chinese aircraft authorities to issue a directive on the airworthiness of the Boeing 737 MAX, which will pave the way for the return of the model. After serving in China for more than 2-1 / 2 years.

At the same meeting, US Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jose Fernandez reiterated a U.S. complaint about China’s business practices and stressed the need for equality among U.S. companies.

He highlighted U.S. human rights concerns in the Xinjiang region of China, including alleged forced labor, and the U.S. government’s warnings to companies about the dangers of acting in Hong Kong.

He told employers operating in China that they should keep in mind that “they are not the audience in a broader economic and strategic relationship.”

“Above all, consider how your activities can affect U.S. national security and the core values ​​we all love,” he said.