Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning Photo:fmprc.gov.cn

In response to the latest travel restrictions targeting travelers from China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that countries should not take discriminatory measures against China and advised Chinese citizens to fully understand entry requirements of their destinations before departure. 

Japan will require more stringent PCR test requirements starting from Sunday targeting travelers from China with additional measures requiring negative test results taken within 72 hours of passengers boarding direct flights from China, according to media reports. 

EU member states agreed on Wednesday to "strongly encourage" a requirement that would obligate all travelers from China, regardless of nationality, to present a negative COVID-19 test as the number of infections surges in the Asian country, Euronews reported on Wednesday. 

Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said China always believes that the epidemic prevention measures of various countries should be realistic, scientific and moderate, and countries should not take the opportunity to engage in political manipulation. The spokesperson said countries should not impose discriminatory practices and should not affect normal personnel exchanges and cooperation between countries. 

"We also remind Chinese citizens to confirm their health status before leaving the country, fully understand the entry requirements of the destination country, and avoid affecting their itinerary," Mao said. 

In response to the latest remarks from the WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus who said he understands why some countries have reintroduced travel restrictions amid surging COVID-19 cases in China, Mao emphasized that the epidemic situation in China is under control.