Coronavirus: the first European expatriates return to China

Text by: Angélique Forget Follow

Because of the Covid-19 epidemic, the borders of China have been closed since the end of March to all non-citizens, even those holding a visa. But on Friday May 29, for the first time in two months, a plane carrying Europeans - mostly Germans - landed in a city near Beijing.

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From our correspondent in Shanghai,

On board this flight managed by the German company Lufthansa, sit 200 passengers. They are mainly managers and employees of German companies and their families. All were expatriates in China, but had made the choice, at the height of the coronavirus epidemic , to return to Europe before finding themselves blocked because of the border closings imposed by Beijing.

Systematic screening

Leaving from Frankfurt, they landed in Tianjin about 100 kilometers from the Chinese capital, and had to undergo a screening test upon arrival. This flight, reserved for people whose activity is deemed essential by Beijing, was negotiated by the German Chamber of Commerce which highlighted the need for the two countries to revive their economic exchanges.

In early June, Singapore nationals will in turn be able to land in China. For its part, the French Embassy also ensures that it is negotiating the return of the French stranded outside of China.

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• China
• Coronavirus
• Germany

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