Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021

CHINA

Overall risk level

High Reconsider travel

Can be dangerous and may present unexpected security risks

Travel is possible, but there is a potential for disruptions Overview

Emergency Numbers

Medical 120

Upcoming Events

30 August 2021 - 14 September 2021 Medium risk: Chinese officials suspend Nairobi-Changsha flights from 30 August-13 September- Update Chinese authorities announced that China Southern Airlines flight CZ6044 from Nairobi Airport (NBO/HKJK) in Kenya to Changsha Huanghua Airport (CSX/ZGHA) in China was suspended from 30 August for two weeks, due to COVID-19.

30 August 2021 - 14 September 2021 Medium risk: Aeroflot flights from Moscow to Shanghai suspended on 30 August-13 September - Update Aeroflot flight SU208 from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO/UUEE) in Russia to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG/ZSPD) in China will be suspended from 30 August for two weeks, due to COVID-19.

30 August 2021 - 14 September 2021 Medium risk: Chinese officials suspend flights from Paris and Cairo on 30 August-13 September - Update Air China flight CA934 from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG/LFPG) in France to Tianjin Binhai Airport (TSN/ZBTJ) in China and Egyptair flight MS953 from Cairo Airport (CAI/HECA) in Egypt to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport (HGH/ZSHC) in China will be suspended from 30 August for two weeks, due to COVID-19.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 2 Travel Advisories

Medium risk: Border tensions with India and Bhutan in Tibet and Xinjiang Exercise caution for travel to the international border areas with India and Bhutan, particularly in and around the Chumbi Valley in Yadong and Gar counties of the Tibet region (Xizang) and Aksai Chin in Hotan county, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, until further notice due to periodic clashes between Chinese and Indian forces.

In early May 2020, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Indian Army (IA) forces engaged in periodic scuffles in areas along the India-China border near the Galwan Valley in Aksai Chin, Hotan county, Xinjiang and Ngari prefecture, Gar County, Tibet. The scuffles were triggered by increased Chinese patrols in the areas in response to alleged road constructions by Indian forces near Aksai Chin, a territory claimed by both China and India, and near Ngari. The situation escalated to violent clashes between Chinese and Indian forces who threw stones at each other near Aksai Chin on 14-15 June; Indian officials claim at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed. Similar clashes again occurred in the same area on 25 January 2021. However, authorities on both sides were keen on de-escalating the situation from turning into a full-blown conflict and thus engaged in negotiations.

The latest scuffles follow border tensions between PLA and IA troops which resulted in an 84-day armed standoff in June-August 2017, in the Chumbi Valley, after Indian troops, on behalf of their ally Bhutan, intervened to stop China from constructing a border road through the Doklam (Donglang) plateau, which lies between China’s Tibet (Xizang), Bhutan and India’s Sikkim state. India was concerned that the border road construction in Doklam would give China easy access to northeastern India. Bhutan opposed the construction of the road as it claims the area, but relied on India for military and diplomatic support. Finally, China claimed that Doklam is part of Chinese territory and it has full right to build infrastructure. Despite formally ending the confrontation over Doklam, both Chinese and Indian forces continued developing infrastructure and increased patrols in the region.

It is possible that existing tensions between China and India could result in further clashes in border areas in the near term. Heightened security is thus likely to remain in and around the Chumbi Valley and Galwan Valley until further notice. While the risk of an escalation to a full- blown conflict between Chinese and Indian forces remains low, visitors face the risk of incidental harm in the event of clashes. Anticipate robust security measures and major travel disruptions; avoid taking photographs of military installations and infrastructure. Travellers should ensure that identification documents are up-to-date and readily available for check by security personnel.

Context: India and China fought a war over the border in 1962, resulting in a Chinese victory. New clashes broke out again in 1967, and not infrequently, tensions still boil.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 3 Moderate risk: Northeastern and border regions of Inner Mongolia Anticipate disruptions for travel across northeastern areas of Inner Mongolia and the international border with Mongolia until further notice, because of unrest by ethnic Mongolians.

The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, making up more than one-tenth of China's territory and rich in coal reserves, formally enjoys a high degree of autonomy. However, ethnic Mongolians, who constitute roughly 20 percent of the total population, have increasingly complained that their grazing lands were damaged by Beijing-controlled mining projects and by unabated desertification. Ethnic Mongolians also complained that the local government has repeatedly attempted to resettle them in permanent houses and that the Han Chinese majority has been the only ethnic group benefitting from the economic development. Furthermore, protests were held against the government’s alleged advocation of Han Chinese language and culture over Mongolian language and culture in schools and local media. Interethnic tensions have therefore worsened in recent years, although the region has never witnessed major outbreaks of ethnic unrest as seen in Tibet or Xinjiang. However, violent protests involving clashes with policemen have become more frequent in recent years.

Previous protest flashpoints included the provincial capital Hohhot, Hulunbuir, Hinggan and Xilin Gol. In the weeks following unrests, anticipate elevated security and possible unannounced disruption to internet services and mobile telephone networks. Avoid all demonstrations, particularly ethnic protests, on an ongoing basis as they are likely to result in unrest. It is illegal to photograph demonstrations, and travellers suspected of supporting anti-Chinese activities may be subject to detention and expulsion from China.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 4 Medium risk: Tibet (Xizang) and Tibetan-populated areas Exercise caution for travel to western China's Tibet (Xizang) region and other Tibetan-populated areas of Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Yunnan provinces until further notice because of unrest by ethnic Tibetans against the Chinese government.

Tibet has been the scene of violent unrest and protests by ethnic Tibetans resisting the perceived repression of their cultural identity by the Chinese government in Beijing. Following the March 2008 pro-democracy riots in Lhasa, unrest has spread to a number of Tibetan autonomous prefectures and counties outside the Tibet Autonomous Region, which are culturally Tibetan to various degrees and require special permission for access. Self-immolations and associated protests by ethnic Tibetans have led to violent confrontations with police forces in Tibet and Tibetan-populated areas of Sichuan (Seda, Aba, Dege, Muli and Luhuo counties), Qinghai (Huangnan Tibetan autonomous prefecture), Gansu (Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture) and Yunnan. Whenever unrest has spiralled into violence, it was aimed at ethnic Han immigrants and other non-Tibetan Chinese residents, although no foreign national was targeted.

While the scale of Chinese security deployments makes any serious deterioration in public order unlikely, isolated security incidents continue to frequently occur in cities and towns with a large Tibetan population. All identification and required travel documentation should be up-to-date and readily accessible for presentation at checkpoints; immediately comply with all instructions from security forces. A number of areas of Tibet are known to have frequent internet services and mobile telephone networks outages as well as permanent restrictions. In the weeks following unrests, anticipate the closure of overland transport routes and the possible total shutdown of communication systems. Avoid all demonstrations, particularly ethnic protests, on an ongoing basis as they are very likely to result in unrest. It is illegal to photograph demonstrations, and travellers suspected of supporting pro-independence activities may be subject to detention and expulsion from China.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 5 High risk: Western areas of Xinjiang (Kashgar, Aksu, Hotan, Yili) Reconsider travel to the southwestern prefectures of Xinjiang region, including Kashgar, Aksu, Hotan and Yili, on an ongoing basis, due to violence related to unrest by the ethnic Uyghur people.

These rural areas of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region have witnessed a spike in spontaneous unrest by ethnic Uighurs and bloody attacks plotted by the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), another name allegedly used by Uighur militants, fuelled by heavy-handed anti-terrorist operations by Chinese security personnel. The attacks have predominantly targeted local and central government offices and security infrastructure, including army and police buildings. More recently, transportation hubs and other soft targets, including local markets and other public areas with large Han Chinese crowds have been targeted. Furthermore, the remoteness of these mostly Uighur-populated prefectures and the relative under-development of their communication and transport infrastructure has hampered the central government's strategy to eradicate terrorism in the region. In these western areas of Xinjiang, security has been significantly strengthened with the deployment of hundreds of additional police and army units, who are reportedly instructed to shoot-on-sight at the first sign of unrest. Local sources also indicate the presence of overland travel restrictions, which are known to change regularly to match the tactical needs of anti-terrorist operations. Anticipate ongoing disruptions to communication services, including internet and mobile phones.

While foreign nationals are unlikely to be the direct target of any militant activity or violence associated with it, the risk of incidental or by-stander injury is possible. Limit exposure to security and government personnel and infrastructure, and exercise heightened caution in Uighur- populated areas. Follow all directives issued by security personnel; keep official identification and required travel documentation on-hand and readily accessible for presentation at all road checkpoints. Immediately report suspicious behaviour or packages to local authorities. Avoid all demonstrations, particularly ethnic protests, on an ongoing basis as they are very likely to result in unrest. It is illegal to photograph demonstrations, and travellers suspected of supporting pro- independence activities may be subject to detention and expulsion from China.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 6 Medium risk: Eastern areas of Xinjiang (including Urumqi) Exercise caution for travel to eastern areas of Xinjiang, including Urumqi, Karamay, Turpan, Hami, Bortala Mongol, Changji Hui, and Bayin'gholin Mongol prefectures, until further notice, due to violent incidents related to unrest by the ethnic Uighur people.

The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has been the scene of occasional bombings and violent separatist uprisings by the ethnic Uighur people, who are predominantly Muslim, most notably in the provincial capital Urumqi. Beijing has pursued a campaign of repression against the ethnic Uighur community. The East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), another name that is allegedly used by Uighur militants, claimed responsibility for – or were associated by state authorities to – a string of violent attacks that occurred in late 2013 and 2014 in the Xinjiang region as well as outside, including Beijing's Tiananmen Square, southern Yunnan's Kunming and Guangdong's Guangzhou. The attacks prompted the adoption of special security measures nationwide, including a limit on the fuel purchasable at gas stations, extra CCTVs and armed officers on patrol on the streets, in an effort to prevent further attacks. Additional security personnel, as well as military trainers and advisors, were deployed to Urumqi from the capital Beijing. Although the scale of Chinese security deployments makes any serious deterioration in public order unlikely, isolated security incidents continue to frequently occur in cities and towns with a large Uighur population, including provincial capital Urumqi and other prefectures in the eastern side of the region, including Karamay, Turpan, Hami, Bortala Mongol, Changji Hui, and Bayin'gholin Mongol. Uighur exiles responded with accusations that central authorities were using the threat posed by armed separatists to justify harsher repression of Uighur culture.

All identification and required travel documentation should be up-to-date and readily accessible for presentation at checkpoints; immediately comply with all instructions from security forces. In the weeks following unrests, anticipate elevated security, possible unannounced disruption to internet services and mobile telephone networks, and closure of overland transport routes. Avoid all demonstrations, particularly ethnic protests, on an ongoing basis as they are very likely to result in unrest. It is illegal to photograph demonstrations, and travellers suspected of supporting pro-independence activities may be subject to detention and expulsion from China.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 7 Medium risk: Polio outbreak in multiple Sub-Saharan African and Asia Pacific nations There is an outbreak of polio in several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia Pacific regions. Unvaccinated children and adults are at greatest risk.

Polio is an acute viral infection, transmitted via infected faecal matter, usually in contaminated food or water supplies. Symptoms occur anywhere between two to five days after infection and include flu-like signs such as headache, tiredness, fever, stomach pain and nausea, and in some cases meningitis and paralysis. There is no cure for polio but vaccines to protect against the virus exist. Some of the countries worst-affected by polio include Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea in Asia Pacific, and Nigeria, Sudan and Zambia in Sub- Saharan Africa, mostly in areas with poor hygiene and sanitation measures. Polio hotspots include Kabul, Shahidi Hassas, Zheray and Baghran districts in Afghanistan; Karachi, Lahore, Chaman, Peshawar and Swat districts in Pakistan; rural parts of Manila in the Philippines; Lusaka in Zambia; and Port Sudan and Khartoum in Sudan. Polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The World Health Organisation (WHO), however, declared Africa free of wild polio in late August 2020; the remaining cases are a weakened strain of poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine.

In areas affected by polio, authorities have stepped up vaccination drives and made polio vaccination mandatory for infants. Healthcare services are poor and there is a dearth of qualified medical professionals and good clinics in the countries affected by polio. Polio campaigns have been regularly suspended in countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and related lockdowns. Bandits in Nigeria’s Zamfara state and militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan have periodically attacked polio campaign workers as they deem the vaccination drives to be a government conspiracy to infect Muslims.

Travellers to Sub-Saharan African and Asia Pacific nations affected by polio are advised to get vaccinated against polio prior to departure. Adults who were vaccinated for polio during childhood should get an additional lifetime booster dose of the vaccine. International travellers who stay beyond four weeks in the country affected by polio may have to show proof of polio vaccination when exiting that country. To meet this requirement, travellers should receive a polio vaccine between four weeks and 12 months before the date of departure from the country having polio cases. Once vaccinated, your doctor will provide you with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) yellow card; previously vaccinated adults should consult a doctor for vaccination procedures at least a month prior to travel, while unvaccinated adults should consult a doctor two months prior. Anticipate overland travel disruptions in areas affected by polio outbreak as authorities are known to cordon them off, especially during polio vaccination drives. Remain vigilant and avoid being near medical and aid personnel in these areas as militants frequently target polio workers, especially in Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Implement advanced hygiene practises during travel and avoid drinking tap water where possible. Monitor your health for any flu-like symptoms for at least a week after returning from travel.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 8 Summary

China is a High Risk destination: reconsider travel. High Risk locations can be dangerous and may present unexpected security risks. Travel is possible, but there is a potential for severe or widespread disruptions.

Covid-19 High Risk Authorities have periodically relied on strict lockdown measures and mass testing in areas with suspected COVID-19 cases, since the outbreak was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei province in late 2019. Health screening and sanitary measures have since been implemented in transportation hubs and other urban areas with international borders also open to essential travellers from several countries. While a new wave of infections and related movement restrictions were briefly imposed in parts of Beijing, Shanghai, Hebei and other areas since early 2021, authorities claim the situation is under control, with most cases linked to imported infections. There is a lack of credible information from the government which makes it difficult to ascertain the true number of cases. Further lockdowns which are implemented on short notice cannot be ruled out in other urban areas should the outbreak worsen in the near-term.

Political Instability Low Risk The People's Republic of China (PRC) is governed as a one-party communist state under the absolute authority of the party secretary and the Politburo Standing Committee, China’s supreme body; this provides for an authoritarian but stable government structure. In February 2018, the Communist Party of China removed term limits, allowing party secretary and president of the PRC Xi Jinping to rule indefinitely.

Conflict Moderate Risk China has started projecting its military prowess substantially in recent years, engaging in activities such as the construction of military bases on the disputed South China Sea Islands, and engaging in border skirmishes with India. Tensions have particularly escalated under Xi Jinping due to China’s increasingly aggressive posture in the South China Sea, seen as belligerent by the United States and its allies in the region, particularly Vietnam and the Philippines. The Taiwan Strait is another flashpoint as despite improved ties, China has not ruled out the use of force to reunify Taiwan with the mainland. However, in the short- to medium-term, an open conflict is unlikely due to its catastrophic implications. The long-term risk of conflict largely depends on China's domestic political and economic development, as the success or failure of these processes will greatly influence what it sees as its 'best interests'.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 9 Terrorism Moderate Risk A low-level insurgency operating in the western region turned into a full-blown terrorist threat, culminating in a wave of attacks across China in 2014 which highlighted the possibility that Uighur communities across the country could host terrorist cells. Violent attacks take place occasionally across the country, although authorities routinely enforce absolute secrecy over the incidents, regularly denying or hiding any terrorist motive. However, the number of attacks has decreased in recent years and Chinese authorities have taken strict measures to keep terrorist incidents under control.

Unrest Moderate Risk Some of the primary causes of disturbances are public anger over corruption among Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials, the growing rural-urban divide and land disputes. Thousands of protests occur every year, most of which happen in the countryside and are of little consequence; however, large protests in major cities may also happen sporadically as the incidence of social conflict is on the rise.

Crime Moderate Risk Despite an increase in recorded crime rates in China in the past decade, the overall crime rate is still comparatively low. A number of threats do exist but if precautions are taken foreign nationals are unlikely to be affected by crime. In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai vast numbers of migrant workers from rural areas are unemployed and many turn to crime as a consequence. Drug-related crimes are also on the rise but they do not pose a risk to foreign travellers.

Natural and Environmental Medium Risk The country’s central and southeastern provinces are periodically affected by typhoons, floods and landslides between April and October. Earthquakes can also occur occasionally mostly in the northern, western and southern provinces. Pollution levels are high across the country, particularly in large cities. While emergency services and disaster management responses are relatively quick in most regions, enforcement of environmental regulations is weak and infrastructure outside main cities may not be capable of withstanding major environmental calamities.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 10 Health and Medical Medium Risk The standard of health care in China, as well as the key health risks, are highly variable. Medical clinics and hospitals of international standard are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and a growing number of other major cities. Most public hospitals in these cities have “VIP section” (“gao gan bing fang”), wards of higher standards designed for senior members of the Communist Party of China (CPC). However, health care services can be quite inefficient in rural areas. The willingness of local officials to withhold information on potential outbreaks represents a real concern for the central government and one that limits the ability of authorities to respond quickly and decisively to an epidemic. Emergency services are reasonably efficient in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities, but unreliable in rural areas.

Local Travel Moderate Risk Travel in China is generally safe and foreign visitors are mostly treated well. Violent crime is rare; petty theft is the most prevalent type of crime encountered by visitors. Levels of safety and comfort of travel by public transportation vary greatly. When available, travellers should choose first-class or luxury services. Domestic air travel and high speed rail services are generally safe and good options for long distances. Unlicensed taxis should be avoided; travellers should opt for radio-dispatched taxis and look out for displayed licenses.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 11 Political Overview : Low Risk

At the 18th National Congress of the Community Party of China (CPC) held in November 2012, Xi Jinping was nominated as the new general secretary of the CPC, as well as chairman of the Central Military Commission and, in March 2013, president of the PRC, starting a major leadership transition to replace the reformist Hu Jintao, under whose administration from 2003 to 2013 China’s economy quadrupled in size in dollar terms.

Xi Jinping's rise to power was accompanied - and made easier - by a sweeping anti-corruption crackdown officially justified by rising social discontent over inequality and widespread corruption, resulting in over 100,000 individuals being investigated and charged, including 120 top-level officials as of 2016. Xi's anti-corruption campaign also targeted many of his potential and actual rivals, including veteran leaders such as security tsar Zhou Yongkang - a close ally of Hu Jintao - and emerging stars like Chongqing's party chief Bo Xilai - considered a possible rival of Xi Jinping in the Standing Committee. Those purged also included dozens of other senior officials in the military, government, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), party leadership and provincial administrations. Since taking power, Beijing has also started limiting further the access to foreign information and launched nationalistic education campaigns.

Xi Jinping has struggled with a significant slowdown of China's once-double digit economic growth, the unexpected weakness of emerging financial markets in cities like Shanghai or Shenzhen and fissures in the national banking system. Other serious problems facing the current Chinese leadership include ongoing inefficiencies and a lack of transparency stemming from an economy still dominated by party-controlled SOEs, with few realistic expectations that the World Trade Organization (WTO) could grant China a 'market economy' status. Indeed, foreign investors have increasingly complained the introduction of new regulations and mild-protectionist measures complicating the regulatory environment for - and discriminating against - foreign enterprises. Beijing has also been fighting the effects of a planned social development that is gradually moving rural masses towards macro-cities on the eastern coast, increasing an already large wealth gap and putting ever more pressure on the environmental challenges of heavily-industrialised coastal provinces. Nonetheless, massive investments in research and education and the encouragement of nationalistic tones vis-à-vis complex international disputes like the South China Sea and the East China Sea have contributed to contain public discontent.

Xi Jinping’s absolute dominance of the CPC was strengthened further at the 19th National Congress of the CPC, which inaugurated Xi's second term in power. The CPC used the venue to celebrate Xi’s two alleged major accomplishments - the "Belt and Road Initiative" strategy and the "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era". More notably, Xi failed to indicate any viable successor to the seven-seat Standing Committee, casting doubts over his willingness to cede power at the end of his second term as required by the constitution. As widely expected, the CPC announced on 25 February 2018 that the constitution would be amended to both remove the terms limits and to formally include in the chart the party’s anti-corruption agency, allowing Xi to rule indefinitely and to remove his political opponents at will.

There are few credible threats to the country's political stability, but with the rise of Xi to an absolute

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 12 power these have reduced. Internally, deep ethno-religious resentment and secessionist sentiments continue to undermine any effort to integrate the Tibet and Xinjiang Uighur autonomous regions. Externally, China has been finding it increasingly difficult to legitimise its growing international power and foreign influence, due to its poorly-hidden imperial ambitions (as in the case of the South China Sea) and its inability to rein in the bellicose tone and missile and nuclear tests of its North Korean partner. In the long term, Xi’s rise to absolute power also creates the risk of a future struggle to fill the power vacuum he will likely leave one day.

There are no recent incidents

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 13 Conflict : Moderate Risk

Although it is not directly involved in military operations, China has borders with four nuclear powers (Pakistan, India, Russia and North Korea) and complicated relations with India, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and Myanmar. A complex system of regional and global security relationships are at play in the region, raising the stakes in the event of conflict.

Cross-strait relations: Presently, cross-straits relations with Taiwan are China's greatest security concern, although the threat was tempered in 2008 by the accession to power of the more pro-China Kuomintang (KMT, the Chinese Nationalist Party that fled mainland China in 1949) in Taiwan. President Hu met with the Chairman of KMT for cordial talks in May 2008 and then in November 2008 landmark talks with the highest ranking Chinese delegation to Taiwan since 1949 agreed to high-level bilateral talks every six months as well as increased flights and shipping between the mainland and Taiwan. Yet the Chinese perception of Taiwan as a breakaway province has not altered since 1949 and it remains determined to preserve its territorial integrity. A combination of Taiwanese military deterrence, US support and increasing economic interdependence between Taiwan and the mainland has mitigated the risk of conflict in spite of continued tensions. However, if Taiwan were to make a serious bid for independence, military action would probably be unavoidable.

East China Sea: There are ongoing territorial disputes with Japan over the Diaoyu Islands, Okinotori in the Pacific Ocean, and a maritime sector in the East China Sea. Despite poor relations, these are unlikely to lead to conflict due to mutual military deterrence and increasing economic relations. Border disputes with Russia were solved the final demarcation of the 4,300km (2,700mile) border in July 2008 and there has been progress towards determining the largely unmarked Himalayan border with India. Yet in the longer term disputes on these issues may recur as India claims illegal Chinese settlements have appeared in Arunachal Pradesh state, while the depopulated Russian border areas may prove attractive to China and its growing population of over 1.3 billion.

South China Sea: A major source of external conflict is represented by the South China Sea disputes, particularly those for the control of the Spratly and the Paracel island groups. The latter are controlled by China and claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan, while the former are claimed and controlled by Brunei, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. The islands are valued for their richness of hydrocarbons and fish resources in the region and for the strategic value of the maritime trade routes into East Asia.

China claims the largest part of the region following the nationalistic 'Nine-dashed line' territorial principle, while non-claimant states see the South China Sea as international waters where 'freedom of navigation' should be ensured, a concept strongly promoted and enforced by the United States. Tensions escalated in recent years as China adopted an increasingly aggressive posture, particularly since Xi Jinping rose to power in 2012, and the United States responded by deploying aerial and naval resources and by tightening their military cooperation with Vietnam and the Philippines. A Chinese land reclamation program started in 2014 has resulted in the construction of dual-use infrastructure, including airstrips, on the Spratly's Fiery Cross Reef and Mischief Reef; while other coastal countries have also built basic infrastructure in some of the islands, the pace of China's build-up and the decision to hold live-fire military drills in 2016 has alarmed other claimant states, particularly

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 14 Vietnam and the Philippines. On 12 July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague ruled against China in a case over sovereignty rights in the South China Sea opened by the Philippines in 2013; China promptly rejected the ruling stating it had no value.

Although the maritime disputes have currently no impact on travel, they are certain to remain a potential catalyst for international conflict in the region, and while the risk of full-scale armed conflict remains very low, skirmishes and low-intensity conflict are likely in the medium- and long-term.

Border Conflicts: An increased risk exists along the border with India. A full-scale border war in 1962 saw Chinese forces advance deep into India's Arunachal Pradesh state, and the area remains militarised. At present China claims all of Arunachal Pradesh, while India contends that China occupies 38,000 sq km (14,700 sq miles) of Indian Himalayan territory. Tensions rose in June-August 2017 when People’s Liberation Army and Indian Armed Forces engaged in an armed standoff over the construction of a road by China through the Doklam plateau, a territory that is claimed by both China and India’s ally Bhutan. The troops were later withdrawn but increased patrolling and infrastructure development by both sides continue in the area. In June 2020, Indian and Chinese troops engaged in fatal hand-to-hand combat, the first of its kind, following weeks of standoff at several points in the disputed Galwan Valley, in the Aksai Chin region. At least 20 Indian soldiers and an unconfirmed number of Chinese soldiers were killed during the clashes. The situation gradually de-escalated following talks between the top regional military commanders. This ongoing rivalry is reinforced by the two countries' rapid economic growth and vast populations. Moreover, Chinese nuclear capability, together with its increased ambition to project its power regionally, has encouraged stronger India-US ties, in order to counterbalance China. Despite these underlying tensions and the lack of clear answers to the border dispute the two nations have pledged to maintain stability along their frontier.

More recently, relations between China and Myanmar have been strained by the ethnic insurgency in northern Burma's Shan state, which escalated into a full-blown conflict in early 2015 between Burmese armed forces and the Kokang rebels, who are ethnically Han Chinese. The conflict has resulted in an uncertain number of victims, forcing tens of thousands of civilians to flee across the border in Yunnan province and prompting the Burmese government to accuse Beijing of offering safe harbor, supplies and military trainers to the Kokang rebels, an allegation rejected by China's central government. Tension flared in March 2015 when a Myanmar Air Force plane bombed an area near Lincang, Yunnan province, believed to harbouring Kokang rebels, killing at least four Chinese civilians and prompting the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) to scramble their jet fighters and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to deploy columns of artillery units near the border.

Strength of Military Forces: The Chinese defence budget has increased dramatically year on year for the past 20 years, as China seeks to have a military capable of safeguarding its staggering economic growth. With over 2.3 million personnel, the People's Liberation Army is now second only to the United States in terms of capability, with government figures stating that military spending doubled between 2006 and 2009, although a lack of transparency means these officials figures may severely under-represent actual levels of spending. The Navy has similarly experienced exponential growth, and can match the US Pacific Fleet in maritime firepower.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 15 Terrorism

Islamist Terrorism: Although the native Muslim Uighur community has declined as a percentage of the total population of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR) since authorities began promoting Han immigration in the 1950s, the Uighur community has not benefited from China's economic development, as most economic opportunities are controlled by the Han community. This has increased alienation and dissatisfaction with Chinese rule, fuelling violent unrest and a low-level insurgency. Declaring that a top priority for the XUAR's future was to fight the "three evil forces" of extremism, separatism and terrorism, the Chinese government has maintained a heavy security presence throughout the region. Due to its large and remote territory, Xinjiang is particularly vulnerable to periodic outbreaks of violent unrest and terrorist activity targeting local authorities, law- enforcement and army personnel, and members of the Han community.

The situation escalated with the first large terrorist attack outside the region in 2013. On 28 October, three Uighurs linked to the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP), drove a 4x4 vehicle, possibly containing with a crude bomb, over the pedestrian area in front of the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, leaving a total of five people dead (including the attackers and a foreign tourist) and 38 others injured. The TIP threatened that Uighur militants would carry out further attacks outside the Xinjiang region. The Chinese government had previously blamed the attack on the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), an organisation believed to coincide with the TIP.

Terrorist attacks intensified throughout the first half of 2014, both inside and outside the XUAR, with an unprecedented escalation of violence from Uighur militants, both in scope and in intensity. On 30 April, a TIP suicide bombing with knife attack left three victims and 79 injured in Urumqi Railway Station, on the last day of Xi Jinping's tour of the region. Several weeks later, five terrorists drove two SUVs into a crowded market in North Gongyuan Street, Urumqi's Saybagh district, throwing bombs and eventually crashing, leaving 43 people dead (including the four perpetrators) and over 90 injured. Outside Xinjiang, knife attacks have been carried out in Yunnan's Kunming Railway Station, Hunan's Changsha, and Guangdong's Guangzhou Railway Station.

The attacks prompted an immediate boost of security measures across Xinjiang, with the introduction of limitations to Islamic traditions and religious customs and practices across the region. Security was also enhanced in other provinces across the country. Since then, attacks have become less frequent but have nonetheless continued, particularly against security forces in the western prefectures of Xinjiang (Kashgar, Aksu, Hotan, Yili).

In recent years, Uighur militants have shifted their focus from government-level targets and public offices to soft-targets, specifically markets and railway stations, emblems of the growing Chinese Han's economic success. However, military and government targets still represent the most common choice in the militants' strategy, for both their symbolic value and the presence of weapons and ammunitions. Power and transportation infrastructure have also been targeted, particularly in remote rural areas. The extreme winter weather in the region makes attacks more frequent in the spring and summer seasons. Preferred attack types include knife attacks (with bladed tools easily available across China) and car ramming. Gun ownership is strictly regulated in China and gun attacks are unlikely, although the weapon cache of police/army posts in Xinjiang remain a very sought-after

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 16 prize; plus, the vast length of the international border with Central and South Asian countries cannot rule out the possibility of arms smuggling.

Since 2015, over 100 Uighur militants have fled China towards the battlefields of Syria and Iraq, while intelligence reports have revealed a split between Uighur extremists who joined the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq and those loyal to the al-Qaeda-linked ETIM/TIP organisation. In February 2017, the IS released a video where Uighur militants directly threatened to stage attacks in China. It should be noted that the rivalry between IS-allied Uighurs and al-Qaeda-linked members of the ETIM/TIP increases the risk of terrorist attacks as the two factions compete to gain visibility at home and abroad.

Although the demography of Xinjiang makes terrorist attacks more likely to take place in the region, the wave of attacks across China in 2014 highlighted the possibility that Uighur communities living outside the XUAR could host terrorist cells. Although Western interests and foreign visitors are unlikely to be directly targeted, risks associated with the terrorist threat – and disruptions stemming from the large security measures in place – persist.

Domestic terrorism: China also faces a domestic terror threat from home-grown, lone-wolf terrorists motivated by a plethora of reasons ranging from mental illness to personal- or business-related grievances. Perpetrators are known to use low-intensity homemade explosive devices and blades in one-off attacks, usually targeting local government buildings, commercial facilities, and increasingly soft-targets, including buses or transportation hubs. While most of these incidents target locals, they pose a risk of incidental violence for foreign travellers.

There are no recent incidents

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 17 Unrest : Moderate Risk

Up to 200 protests take place every day, mostly in the countryside, and a report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences suggests that the incidence of social conflict is on the rise. Demonstrations are caused by a number of issues including high levels of pollution and the expropriation of land in rural areas and may lead to small protests or major pitched battles between citizens and the security forces. As the Chinese government has tried to open up to the world they have sought to avoid a repeat of the scenes at Tiananmen Square in 1989, where a violent army crackdown on student protestors in Beijing killed hundreds and prompted stinging criticism from the international community. However, as events in Tibet in March 2008 showed, authorities will only accept a small amount of unrest before launching uncompromising crackdowns.

Ethnic Unrest: Ethnic unrest is most common in areas with a high proportion of Tibetan residents, including the provinces of Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai and Xizang. In March 2008, pro-democracy Tibetan demonstrators took to the streets of Lhasa, Tibet, burning shops and homes of ethnic Han immigrants and other non-Tibetan residents (no foreign nationals were targeted). These protests quickly spread to neighbouring regions with significant Tibetan populations. More recently, Tibetan protesters have used self-immolations to protest the perceived repression of their cultural identity. These incidents are frequently followed by spontaneous protest gatherings and marches. In response, Chinese security forces have bolstered security throughout the region, restricting vehicle access and telephone/internet services in some locations.

Despite sporadic incidents of separatist terrorism and protests by elements of the Uighur population the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR) has largely suffered only low-level tensions. Violent unrest flared in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in July 2009, leaving 197 people dead during the initial outbreak of attacks by Uighurs on Han Chinese, and then subsequent Han revenge attacks, before 20,000 security forces were deployed to contain the unrest. In both Tibetan and Uighur areas unrest is likely to continue sporadically in the long term, with occasional flashpoints leading to crackdowns by the Chinese authorities.

Civil Unrest: China's Communist Party leaders face thousands of small protests and riots every year that chip away at its grassroots authority. Land disputes are a widespread source of discord. Experts at Beijing's Tsinghua University suggest that there may have been more than 180,000 such "mass incidents" in 2010, nearly double the number often cited by academics and government experts. While protests are always localised in nature and foreigners are rarely targeted, disputes that involve foreign firms and/or management can escalate to include personal attacks on executives regardless of their nationality. Protesters have also been known to hold foreign executives and company negotiators hostage during industrial conflict. The same applies to land grabs and disputes when the land is seized for a foreign firm or a joint venture involving foreign firms. Travellers should avoid any gathered crowds.

Major economic changes have brought social upheavals, and the ability of the regime to absorb these changes in its current form has not been proven yet and unrest is likely to increase if social reform does not occur. Since the global economic crisis began in 2008 there has been an upsurge in unrest, although it has not reached the levels of social upheaval some predicted in the event of shrinking

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 18 economic growth. However, if conditions continue to worsen economic and social policies may prompt further unrest; the "hukou system" that denies access to urban housing and schooling to more than 100 million rural Chinese who have migrated to cities is particularly divisive. The risk of urban unrest will increase as migration to cities continues and may lead to long-term instability. Protests are often of little consequence in rural areas, but could undermine Chinese authorities if they were to occur on a large scale in major cities.

There are no recent incidents

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 19 Crime : Moderate Risk

Recorded crime rates have increased substantially in China in the past decade, with further increases reported as the effects of the global financial crisis hit. Despite a 15 percent increase in recorded criminal cases during 2009, the overall crime rate is still comparatively low. A number of threats do exist but if precautions are taken foreign nationals are unlikely to be affected by crime. In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai vast numbers of migrant workers from rural areas are unemployed and many turn to crime as a consequence. In addition, drug addicts officially number nearly 800,000 (but independent estimates suggest there are between seven and 12 million). Petty Crime: There are regular incidents of petty crime in China, including pickpocketing and purse- snatching. Typical targets include central urban areas, most notably in Guangzhou, Guiyang, Xi'an and Zhengzhou, and border crossings. If street hawkers or large numbers of begging children approach you it is important to guard your valuables closely as distraction tactics may be used to perpetrate petty crime. For example, there have been reports of losses when child beggars hug the traveller, using the physical proximity to steal wallets and other valuables.

Pickpockets sometimes work with the complicity of low-paid security guards in hotels and bars. Airport thefts and robberies of travellers are on the rise in China, specifically in the domestic airports of Beijing, Zhengzhou, Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao and Taiyuan. Reports of taxi drivers using counterfeit money to change larger bills are increasingly common, especially in Guangzhou.

Scams: Street hawkers and vendors have reportedly given fake bills to unsuspecting travellers. When you receive your change be sure to look at it carefully. There are many fake bills in China; to avoid receiving any it is wise to carry different denominations of RMB with you when shopping.

In an increasingly common scam Chinese nationals approaching foreign travellers and inviting them to restaurants or tea houses to practice speaking English. The travellers are then presented with an overly inflated bill that they must pay by credit card only before leaving. Caution should be exercised when invited to practice English.

There have been reports of fake ATMs. If you think the ATM looks suspicious do not use it. Also take precautions at ATMs, particularly at night.

Violent Crime: Although violent crime is not widespread, visitors have been attacked and robbed, particularly in the popular expatriate bar and nightclub areas of Beijing and Shanghai. Foreign nationals have also been attacked in the shopping district of Shenzhen. Additionally, some travellers have been robbed in their hotel rooms in central urban areas and assaults have taken place during these robberies.

Organised Crime: Chinese organised crime is a significant problem but poses little threat to visiting foreign nationals. In addition to the long-established Triads, based largely in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, mainland groups are growing more powerful both within China and in their global contacts with other regional networks (Russian, Central Asian, Eastern European).

In poorly policed rural and border areas, organised criminal activities (such as drug smuggling in Yunnan) pose a substantial risk to travellers due to the proliferation of small and light weapons.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 20 Armed bandits are reported to operate in remote regions, including Gansu and Sichuan, and in areas near the Great Wall. Areas bordering Siberia, Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos and Burma are poorly policed.

Kidnap-for-Ransom: Instances of kidnapping are few in China and rarely affect foreign travellers and expatriates. Nonetheless, business-related kidnappings, more accurately described as “unlawful detentions,” are often reported and transpire predominantly in the office or hotel room of the victim. According to the United States’ State Department, the highest number of incidents has been reported in the southern industrial hubs of Guangzhou, Dongguan and Shenzhen.

In addition, unconfirmed reports of taxi drivers taking passengers to unknown locations and forcing them to pay a sum of money under threat of injury are common. Visitors are advised to only use official taxis or taxis that are clean and serviceable in appearance. If you are unsure about the taxi for any reason, do not get in - look for another taxi.

Crimes Against Women: There has been an increase in the number of thefts and demands for money by pedicab drivers since late 2005 in Beijing. Foreign women travelling alone have been targeted in particular.

There are no recent incidents

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 21 Law

Overview

The Chinese legal system is based on civil law principles. Despite extensive reforms, the system is accused of failing to meet its own provision for fundamental human rights. Rights of due process, prompt access to lawyers, presumption of innocence and the exclusion of evidence extracted through torture are all regularly denied. Additionally, political interference in the judiciary persists. Despite amendments abolishing the crime of "counter-revolutionary" activity, many are still imprisoned for it.

Macao's legal system is based on Portuguese civil law. The Joint Declaration and the Basic Law provide Macao with an independent judicial power, including the power of final adjudication.

Documentation: Foreign nationals must carry their passports at all times and may be asked to produce it by the police at any time. Random checks frequently take place and a failure to produce identification may lead to being fined or arrested.

Photography: Photographing demonstrations is illegal. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as a military or security interest may also result in problems with authorities. Travellers have in the past been detained on espionage charges.

Business Disputes: Anyone entering into a contract in China should have it thoroughly examined, both at home and in China. People doing business in China should be aware that if they become involved in a business and/or civil dispute, the Chinese Government may prohibit them from leaving China until the matter is resolved. Civil cases can sometimes be regarded as criminal cases and the defendant may be placed in custody. Foreign nationals detained for questioning may not be allowed to contact their national authorities until the questioning is concluded.

Death Penalty: China applies the death penalty to around 68 offences, both violent (robbery, rape, murder) and non-violent (tax fraud, embezzlement, some drugs offences).

Religion: Religious activities are restricted. Restrictions are in place on preaching, attending a non- registered place of worship, printing and distributing religious materials. Anyone practising religion outside of the state-authorised system can be arrested or detained. Restrictions on the freedom of worship are particularly strong in ethnic minority areas such as Muslim-majority XUAR and Buddhist Tibet. The modern spiritual movement Falun Gong is banned as subversive. Involvement in demonstrations or calls for Tibetan independence could bring about a strong official reaction.

Importing and Exporting Goods: Cold meats and fresh fruit cannot be imported, and rare animals and plants cannot be exported. Cultural relics, handicrafts, gold and silver ornaments and jewellery purchased in China have to be shown to customs on leaving. It is illegal to import any printed material, film, or tapes detrimental to China's politics, economy, culture and ethics.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 22 Corruption

Overview

Corruption is endemic in China's decision-making and business environments. Despite legislative attempts by leaders to restrain official abuses of power, corruption persists. Upon becoming party leader in November 2012, Xi Jinping launched a large anti-graft campaign after surveys seemed to indicate "corruption" as one of the main perils threatening the legitimacy of the CPC. The campaign vowed to hit "both tigers and flies" within the Party, and has indeed served to remove from power, prosecute and in some cases execute several very high-profile figures – before considered untouchable – in the CPC, PLA, local governments and state-owned enterprises. In perhaps the most famous example, popular Chongqing party leader Bo Xilai, who had proved successful in freeing the city from the endemic crime, and who was a direct competitor of Xi Jinping in the new leadership transition, was first removed from his position and then expelled from the Party on charges of corruption, money laundering and complicity in the cover-up of his wife's murder of a British national. However, the anti-corruption campaign has been considered by most analysts as a political strategy to remove opponents and gain popular support.

Travellers: The risk of travellers being solicited for bribes by public officials is unlikely. However, several border-crossing points, including in Tibet and in Xinjiang have witnessed cases of low-level extortion, with some officials demanding travel permit fees and occasionally using violence to extract payment, although this is very rare. Bribery is illegal in China; to avoid arrest and prosecution, travellers should never offer bribes.

Residents: Chinese residents face low-level corruption on a regular basis when dealing with local officials in the government or state-owned enterprises. Most officials of every level follow cultural traditions that emphasise personal relationships, and graft tends to become widespread as a result. More than two thirds of corruption cases involve state employees. If you need to attend public offices make sure to seek the advice of a non-overseas Chinese national with good relation network to negotiate your application or service.

Businesses: Foreign businesses operating in China have reported that facilitating payments are frequently demanded by individuals involved in contract negotiations. Some companies also reported instances of public officials asking for bribes when dealing with administrative and tax issues. Tendering is often worse affected by corruption in the state sector than in the private sector. Foreign businesses will be viewed as an easy target by anti-corruption police, so should always avoid paying bribes, also considering their vulnerability to a non-transparent judiciary system and the lack of internal control in many companies. In early 2014, British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) was found guilty by Chinese courts of "systemic bribery" and was fined a record sum of USD500 million for attempting to bribe medical staff in Chinese hospitals; five senior managers, including the China subsidiary's CEO, were convicted and received suspended prison sentences. In mid 2014, China appeared to have launched a crackdown on foreign companies conducting due diligence and consulting services in China, making it all the more difficult for foreign companies to pursue corporate compliance.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 23 Security Services

*Overview *

The Chinese People's Armed Police Force (PAP) is one of the three integral elements of the Chinese armed forces, along with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the militia and reserve forces. The PAP consists of internal security forces, gold mine, forest, water conservancy, electricity power and transportation forces. The frontier police and fire brigades are also included in the PAP. It was established on 19 June 1982, and since the protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989, the status and importance of the PAP have been rapidly elevated and upgraded to a greater regional-level military force. It is responsible for law enforcement, domestic security and social stability. The list of offences for which the PAP may detain and deport foreign nationals is exhaustive, it includes from the promotion of certain religious activities, solicitation of prostitutes and physically resistance removal attempts by the PAP. Generally these offences will result in a charge that the foreign national has breached the terms of their visa or provided false information about the intent of their visit.

Efficiency: The police response times for emergencies can be slow, particularly outside of major cities. Given the inability of most officials to speak foreign languages, communication with police officials can be very difficult.

Professionalism: Nepotism and political/family connections continue to predominate in officer appointments and advancements. Commentaries by PAP political officials suggest that in addition to widespread corruption, the PAP faces other significant threats to efficiency, for example PAP employees may also have membership of prohibited organisations like the Falun Gong.

Areas Active: The armed police force is simultaneously under the command of the China Communist Party's Central Military Committee and the State Council. Its headquarters fall under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Security. It also has headquarters in each province, autonomous region, and municipality, under which there are detachments, groups and squadrons.

Abuses/Miscarriages of Justice: Given the army's vital importance to the maintenance of party rule, the official press is especially reticent about publicising abuses and miscarriages of justice. It is thought that abuses of authority occur frequently and human rights groups have accused Chinese police of the systematic use of torture to extract confessions, wrongful imprisonments and other abuses. There are no formal systems in place to report abuse or miscarriages of justice and Chinese nationals attempting to pursue accountability within Chinese government agencies are often detained or executed. Foreign nationals are far less likely to be punished for complaints but effective action is unlikely to be taken.

Political/Religious/Ethnic Sensitivities: Some of those who have engaged in pro-Falun Gong activities allege that they have been physically abused during detention. In addition, they allege that personal property has not always been returned to them upon their deportation. “Foreign” religions such as Christianity often receive more government interference than religions like Islam or Buddhism (with the exception of Tibetan Buddhism). There have been reports of state security services persecuting both Tibetan Buddhists and Christians, with the ransacking of temples and the burning of churches. Members of the PAP are likely to discriminate against black males. There are

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 24 reports of physical abuse both on the street and in prison, and of men being detained without cause.

Force Strength: Currently the PAP strength is approximately 800,000, and it is predicted to grow to more than one million over the next few years.

Emergency Contact: The police can be contacted by dialling telephone number 110.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 25 Natural Risks : Medium Risk

The country’s central and southeastern provinces are periodically affected by typhoons, floods and landslides between April and October. Earthquakes can also occur occasionally mostly in the northern, western and southern provinces. Pollution levels are high across the country, particularly in large cities. While emergency services and disaster management responses are relatively quick in most regions, enforcement of environmental regulations is weak and infrastructure outside main cities may not be capable of withstanding major environmental calamities.

Earthquakes

An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of subterranean rock as it releases strain that has accumulated over a long period. Initial mild shaking may worsen and become extremely violent within a matter of seconds. Additional earthquakes, called aftershocks, may follow the initial earthquake.

The country’s northern, western and southern provinces are located in active seismic zones. Even moderate, shallow earthquakes can periodically cause widespread damages and disruptions to travel, communications and other essential services, more commonly in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. In May 2008, an 8.0 earthquake and several aftershocks which hit about 80km (50 miles) northwest of Chengdu, Sichuan province, caused over 69,000 fatalities while around 4.8 million people were displaced from Sichuan, Gansu, Shaanxi, Chongqing, Henan, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan and Yunnan provinces, with a huge economic loss stemming from damage to roads and building infrastructure.

When shaking begins, drop to the ground and take cover under, and hold on to, a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a heavy desk or table that can provide you with air space if the building collapses. If you're not near a strong piece of furniture, crouch down and protect your head and face in an inner corner of a building; only stand in a doorway if you know it is strongly supported. Stay away from windows or glass panels. Most deaths and injuries in an earthquake are caused by collapsing building materials and heavy falling objects. Stay indoors until the tremors stop and you are sure it is safe to exit. Avoid all areas in the vicinity of outer walls and doorways, as these are most prone to falling debris. In a high-rise building, the electricity may go out and the sprinkler systems may come on. Do not use the elevators. If the lights go out, avoid using candles, matches or lighters during or after the earthquake; if there is a gas leak, an explosion could result. If outdoors, move to an open space away from buildings, electric poles and street lights which are prone to collapse. Do not travel on roads and bridges which may have been damaged by the earthquake. Be prepared for secondary earth movements that follow the initial earthquake; some of these may be large enough to cause additional damage or bring down weakened structures.

Flooding

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 26 A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry. It is normally triggered by an extended period of heavy rainfall and can be exarcebated by poor drainage systems in the affected area.

Floods triggered by torrential downpours are common between April and October months in areas located near the Yangtze River - including Shanghai, Hunan, Hubei, Anhui, Sichuan, Jiangsu and Yunnan provinces. Floods tend to cause widespread disruptions to overland travel and mass evacuations, and have also proven fatal in some instances. In July 2016, heavy rainfall caused the Yangtze River to overflow, triggering floods which killed around 200 people, displaced over 197,000 residents and destroyed around 200,000 homes across Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Yunnan, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces. Areas wracked by floods are also prone to mosquito-borne diseases due to stagnation of water.

If instructed of the possibility that flash-flooding may affect the area you are in, monitor local updates and move immediately to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Though flash-flooding is commonly attributable to excess upstream precipitation, be aware that flooding can occur without typical warning signs of rain clouds or heavy rain. This is especially true near streams, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. If you happen across a flooded road in your car, turn around and drive in the opposite direction. When trapped on a flooded road, vacate your vehicle immediately and climb to higher ground.

Landslides/Mudslides

Sometimes referred to as debris flows, mudflows, lahars or debris avalanches, landslides/mudslides are a form of mass soil movement that tends to flow in channels in a surge of water-saturated rock, earth and debris, typically following heavy rainfall.

Landslides are common in hilly and mountainous areas with loose soil following periods of heavy rainfall or a storm, mostly in Yunnan, Hainan, Guangdong, Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces. Landslides can often cause prolonged overland travel disruptions, especially when they block main and secondary roads or railways, often isolating villages. Rescue and clearing operations can last several days in hilly areas which are difficult to reach.

Follow local news updates in landslide prone areas for warnings about intense storms and rainfall. If landslide or debris flow danger is imminent, quickly move away from the path of the slide. Seek shelter on the nearest high ground in a direction away from the path. If rocks and debris are approaching, run for the nearest shelter and take cover (if possible, under a desk, table or other piece of sturdy furniture that can provide you with air space if the building collapses). Anticipate disruptions to overland travel in areas affected by landslides. Confirm the viability of intented overland travel routes before departure and remain alert for landslide warning signs including cracks in the soil or the faint rumbling sound of an approaching landslide or debris flow.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 27 Hurricanes/Typhoons/Tropical Cyclones

A cyclone/typhoon/hurricane is essentially a large mass of air that spirals around a low-pressure centre. It is an organised collection of thunderstorms embedded in a swirling mass of air. This mass of air is called a cyclone if it forms in the Indian or South Pacific oceans, a typhoon if formed in the West Pacific Ocean and a hurricane if formed in the East Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Cyclones/typhoons/hurricanes normally bring gale-force winds, heavy rainfall and high tides, with the potential of causing significant or destructive damage and widespread travel disruptions.

The typhoon season in China is usually between July and September. The regions most susceptible to strong typhoons which generate in the Pacific Ocean are the eastern provinces, such as Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and Jiangxi. Due to a well-developed advanced warning mechanism, authorities are capable to conduct large-scale evacuations in at-risk areas well ahead of a typhoon. Typhoons also trigger widespread disruptions to air, sea and overland travel before and during their passage. Typhoon Saomai in August 2006 was one of the worst storms to hit the country in over 50 years, causing 436 fatalities, displacing over 1.3 million people and destroying tens of thousands of buildings in Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangxi provinces. Recovery of travel and essential services is usually quick, especially in urban areas, and generally do not take more than 24-48 hours after a typhoon has passed.

Follow local radio or television broadcasts for information and evacuation instructions. If not under an area with mandatory evacuation orders, remain indoors. Locate and secure important documentation, including passports, photo identification, travel permits and any indispensable personal effects. Be advised that the calm 'eye' is deceptive and should by no means be interpreted as a sign that the storm has passed. The second winds are likely to be worse and may destroy trees and buildings damaged in the first pass. If caught in a region hit by a cyclone/typhoon/hurricane, remain indoors until the storm passes. If there is a need to move to an evacuation centre, evacuate in a calm manner and ensure you carry important personal identification. Avoid all low-lying coastal areas due to storm surges. Confirm the viability of overland travel routes due to the risk of flooding. Air and sea travel are also likely to be impacted. Anticipate disruptions to power, communications and other essential services.

Smog/Haze and Pollution

Smog is a kind of air pollution, originally named for the mixture of smoke and fog in the air. Haze often occurs when dust and smoke particles accumulate in relatively dry air. When weather conditions block the dispersal of smoke and other pollutants they concentrate and form a low- hanging shroud that impairs visibility. Industrial pollution and large forest fires generally contribute to smog/haze. Even short exposure to occasional "very high" or "severe" particulate concentrations are dangerous for those suffering from existent heart or lung illnesses. Air pollutants including respirable suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxide increase the viscosity of elements in the blood, binding cells together to form clots that may obstruct blood vessels in the heart or the head and contribute to the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 28 Air quality in urban and industrial areas of China has deteriorated precipitously over the past decades, resulting in a corresponding increase in asthma and respiratory diseases. The effects of deteriorating air quality typically get worse in the winter months from November through the end of February, when the demand for heating leads to a spike in fossil fuel consumption, particularly in northern Chinese cities. Air pollutants including respirable suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxide (mostly originating in the southern Chinese factory belt) increase the viscosity of elements in the blood, binding cells together to form clots that may obstruct blood vessels in the heart or the head, and contribute to the risk of heart attack or stroke. While the country has an effective smog warning system, there are few environmental regulations to reduce pollution levels. Smog can also cause prolonged disruptions to air travel due to reduced visibility. For at-risk travellers or when levels of pollution are very high (>300 PM2.5 rating), the use of a suitable and properly-worn 'N95' respiratory face mask is recommended.

Travellers with acute respiratory problems are advised to consult regional air quality reports before engaging in outdoor activities. Carry required medication at all times and consider using a face mask.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 29 Recent incidents

29 August 2021 - 30 August 2021 Moderate risk: Authorities issue warnings due to heavy rainfall in Shandong province Authorities issued warnings for geological disasters including landslides across southern Jinan, eastern Tai’an and southern Zibo in Shandong province as of morning hours local time, as heavy rainfall was expected in the affected areas over the next 24 hours. Disaster risk was highest in eastern Jining.

25 August 2021 - 26 August 2021 Moderate risk: Damage reported from tornado in Huludao, Liaoning province Local sources reported that at least one person was injured and over 50 houses and properties were damaged in Longgang district, including Lijing and Dongshan areas, Huludao, Liaoning province, after a tornado struck the area during late afternoon hours local time on 25 August.

22 August 2021 - 23 August 2021 Medium risk: Heavy rainfall disrupts traffic and prompts warnings in Zhengzhou, other areas All public bus services were suspended in Zhengzhou, while all non-essential businesses were ordered to close in Kaifeng, Henan province, as of morning hours local time until 23 August for emergency responses to potential floods. Authorities warned of heavy rainfall across most of Henan, and parts of Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Sichuan and Heilongjiang provinces, as well as Chongqing.

13 August 2021 - 14 August 2021 Medium risk: Heavy rainfall triggers deadly floods in Hubei province At least 24 people died and thousands of others were stranded or displaced, multiple streets and bridges were impassable, and power and communications were disrupted due to floods amid heavy rainfall across Hubei province, including Xiangyang, Laifeng, Suizhou and Suixian; worst-hit areas include Liulin and Yicheng. Flash floods were also forecast in Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou and Shaanxi.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 30 Health and Medical: Medium Risk

Overview

The standard of health care in China, as well as the key health risks, are highly variable. Medical clinics and hospitals of international standard are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and a growing number of other major cities. Most public hospitals in these cities have “VIP section” (“gao gan bing fang”), wards of higher standards designed for senior members of the Communist Party of China (CPC). However, health care services can be quite inefficient in rural areas. The willingness of local officials to withhold information on potential outbreaks represents a real concern for the central government and one that limits the ability of authorities to respond quickly and decisively to an epidemic. Emergency services are reasonably efficient in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities, but unreliable in rural areas.

Before you travel

Consult your doctor or a healthcare provider who specialises in travel medicine at least six weeks before your departure. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with your doctor.

Note: Requirements and recommendations for vaccines and other medicines are based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Documentation requirements are based on World Health Organisation guidelines.

Outbreaks

Malaria

Areas with Malaria: Rare cases in the counties along the China-Burma (Myanmar) border in Yunnan Province and Motuo County in Tibet. No malaria in areas where most major river cruises pass.

Recommended chemoprophylaxis: None (practice mosquito avoidance).

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 31 Yellow Fever

There is no risk of Yellow Fever infection.

Vaccine requirement: Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥9 months of age, including transit in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission. This requirement does not apply to travelers whose itineraries are limited to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macao SAR.

Vaccine recommendation: None

Vaccinations, Medicines and Documentation

Recommended for all travellers

Measles

Infants (6 through 11 months old): 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as the first dose in the routine childhood vaccination series. People 12 months old or older, with no evidence of immunity or no written documentation of any doses: 2 doses of MMR vaccine before travel. The 2 doses must be given 28 days apart. People 12 months old or older who have written documentation of 1 dose and no other evidence of immunity: 1 additional dose before travel, at least 28 days after the previous dose.

Recommended for most travellers

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in China, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 32 Recommended for some travellers

Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

Vaccinations, Medicines and Documentation

Required documentation

Yellow Fever entry requirement: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Other entry requirements: None

Note: Documentation requirements are subject to change. Consult your destination embassy or consulate prior to departure for confirmation.

While you are there

Emergency Numbers

Medical: 120

Emergency services

Emergency services are reasonably efficient in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major cities, but highly inefficient in rural parts. Emergency service operators do not speak English.

The willingness of local governments to withhold information on potential outbreaks represents a real concern for the central government and one that limits the ability of authorities to respond quickly and decisively to an epidemic. The 2003 SARS outbreak underscored the inefficiency of the

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 33 Chinese crisis communication model when a media blackout and widespread online censorship exacerbated the spread of the virus across the country. While the SARS outbreak forced Chinese authorities to revise their strategy and promote greater coordination and transparency, local governments are likely to remain reluctant to release critical information.

Evacuation

It is very unlikely medical evacuation would be required for serious or life-threatening injury or illness. Evacuation from rural areas towards main cities is very likely in case of serious or life-threatening injury or illness.

Routine care

The best public hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and a growing number of main cities provide a high level of care. Travellers should note that hospitals may refuse to supply patients with full copies of their Chinese hospital medical records, including test results and reports. Most public hospitals in major cities have “VIP section” (“gao gan bing fang”), wards of higher standards and prices designed for senior members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and their families. Most “VIP sections” can provide medical services to foreigners and generally have English- speaking doctors.

Medicine

Visitors are strongly advised to take their own prescription medication, since prescription medication can be difficult to obtain and may be counterfeit and/or substandard. In addition, travellers are advised to carry their prescription scripts and a letter from a medical doctor explaining the need for the medication and justifying the quantities needed.

Payment

In public hospitals, travellers are generally asked to pay a deposit before admission to cover the expected cost of the treatment. Whenever possible, check with medical providers for payment requirements prior to treatment.

Ailments

Altitude Sickness

In high-altitude and mountainous areas of China, particularly in the Tibet region, altitude sickness is common.

Altitude sickness is a pathological effect on humans caused by low partial pressure of oxygen at altitudes above 2,400 metres (8,000 feet). Typical symptoms resemble those caused by influenza,

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 34 including headache, fatigue and dizziness; severe symptoms can include fever, persisting shortness of breath, loss of consciousness or haemorrhages. While preventative treatment and acclimatisation can prevent or lessen symptoms, the only effective treatment is to descend to lower altitudes.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

China has reported bird and/or human cases of H5N1 in many provinces and autonomous regions, including Anhui, Beijing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi, Liaoning, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shanghai, Shanxi, Sichuan, Xinjiang,Tibet, Yunnan, and Zhejiang. According to the Ministry of Health, from 2003 to 2012, the number of cases of H5N1 reported was 43, including 28 fatalities. Chinese health authorities have also confirmed human cases of avian influenza A (H7N9) since September 2016.

Avian influenza is a class of viral infections, including H5N1 and H7N9, which can be transmitted through contact with wild or domesticated birds. Symptoms are flu-like, and include fever, muscle aches, coughing, as well pneumonia and – in severe cases – respiratory failure. Treatment includes a course of antivirals.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is present in some parts of China mainly during the rainy season. There has been a large increase in cases of dengue fever in Guangdong province.

Dengue fever is a viral infection, transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito, which is most active during early morning and late afternoon hours and is commonly found in urban areas. Symptoms include a high fever, joint pain and headaches, although severe cases may cause significant falls in blood pressure and/or haemorrhaging, which can be fatal. There are no vaccines or treatments for dengue fever.

Malaria

The World Health Organization (WHO) certified China as malaria free in July 2021 after three years without an indigenous case. There remains a risk from malaria in rural areas along the borders of

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 35 Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar, where the disease remains endemic.

Malaria is a serious parasitic infection, transmitted by the bite of the Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms can be flu-like and include a high fever, joint pain, anaemia, chills and headaches; if left untreated, symptoms can quickly complicate and become life-threatening. While pre-departure courses of anti-malarial prophylactics are available, these do not guarantee immunity to malaria. Caught early, malaria can be treated easily with a range of anti-malarial medications.

Schistosomiasis

There is a risk from trematode infection if undercooked fish and shellfish, or raw vegetables and salads, are consumed. Schistosomiasis is present in freshwater lakes and rivers in the mountainous regions of Sichuan and Yunnan, as well as in the Yangtze River and its tributaries in Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Dongting and Poyang lakes are major foci of transmission.

Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia or katayama fever) is a parasitic infection, transmitted through contact with infected water sources, usually freshwater lakes or rivers. Saltwater and chlorinated pools are not affected by schistosomiasis. Symptoms include a rash, fever, muscle pain, abdominal pain and the enlargement of the spleen and/or liver. The disease can be treated via the administration of praziquantel. If left untreated, schistosomiasis can cause serious chronic gastrointestinal or central nervous system diseases.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

SARS is not considered by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be a significant threat to public health in spite of the significant media coverage it received during the 2003 outbreak when it claimed hundreds of lives.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a viral infection transmitted by close physical contact with an infected person or via the coughing and sneezing of infected persons. Symptoms include fever, headaches, body pains, coughing, pneumonia and – in some cases – diarrhoea. SARS can be fatal. There is no uniform treatment for SARS, other than treatment of the underlying symptoms, supportive hospital care and bed rest.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 36 Traveller's diarrhoea (TD)

Traveller's diarrhoea (TD) is a catch-all term for a number of minor or moderate bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, generally transmitted through infected food or water. In the majority of cases antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal medication is unnecessary; travellers experiencing TD should ensure that they remain hydrated and well rested until their symptoms dissipate. Most cases of TD last less than three days; if diarrhoea continues for longer periods, travellers should consider consulting a medical professional.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 37 Recent incidents

26 August 2021 - 27 August 2021 Moderate risk: Authorities resume commercial flights at Nanjing Lukou International Airport - Update Local sources reported that commercial flights resumed at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG/ZSNJ) in Jiangsu province during morning hours local time, following flight suspensions due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

26 August 2021 - 28 August 2021 Moderate risk: Authorities lift lockdown measures in Beijing, other areas - Update Authorities lifted COVID-19 related lockdown measures across Beijing, as well as Zhumadian and Xuchang in Henan province, and Huanggang, Wuhan and Jingzhou in Hubei province as of 26 August, by transitioning them to low-risk areas from medium-risk areas, following no new cases of COVID-19. Free movements were allowed with face masks and other COVID-19 prevention measures.

25 August 2021 - 26 August 2021 Moderate risk: Authorities lift lockdown measures in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province - Update Authorities downgraded Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, previously designated under medium- risk COVID-19 restrictions, to low risk as COVID-19 cases had decreased in the area. All roads to the area were unblocked and all traffic checkpoints removed.

25 August 2021 - 26 August 2021 Moderate risk: Operations resume at container port in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province - Update Authorities announced that operations at the Ningbo Meidong Container port in Zhoushan's Meishan area, Zhejiang province, was resumed after all operations were suspended on 11 August when a port worker tested positive for COVID-19.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 38 Covid-19: High Risk

Summary

Authorities have periodically relied on strict lockdown measures and mass testing in areas with suspected COVID-19 cases, since the outbreak was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei province in late 2019. Health screening and sanitary measures have since been implemented in transportation hubs and other urban areas with international borders also open to essential travellers from several countries. While a new wave of infections and related movement restrictions were briefly imposed in parts of Beijing, Shanghai, Hebei and other areas since early 2021, authorities claim the situation is under control, with most cases linked to imported infections. There is a lack of credible information from the government which makes it difficult to ascertain the true number of cases. Further lockdowns which are implemented on short notice cannot be ruled out in other urban areas should the outbreak worsen in the near-term.

What is the current nationwide Policy?: Distancing

Policy starts: 26 January 2020 Policy ends: indef

Policy explanation:

In parts of China where there are no suspected COVID-19 cases, social distancing measures apply; however, in those areas with suspected or confirmed cases, authorities have imposed strict movement restrictions.

Policy source: http://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2020.082

Last update: 28 August 2021

Infection

Infection Level: Moderate Infection rate: 0.06 cases per 100k in the last 14 days As of date: 22 August 2021 Ruili in Yunnan province and Shangqiu in Henan Hotspots: province.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 39 International Travel

International Flights

Is there a ban on international commercial flights? Partial Through what date? indef

Flight Ban Explanation:

Many international airlines have cancelled commercial flights through China. Emergency, humanitarian, repatriation, diplomatic and cargo flights are exempt. Furthermore, Chinese officials previously requested airlines to operate only one flight per week to an international destination, mostly to repatriate foreign nationals and bring in essential personnel. Airlines must limit passenger load on flights at 75 percent. However, some international flights without any passenger who tested positive for COVID-19 for three weeks are exempt from this policy.

Airlines have been allowed to choose a city with one or more airports that are capable of accommodating international passenger flights and operate one international flight per week.

Aviation authorities announced on 16 December 2020 that if five or more COVID-19 cases are confirmed among airline passengers after arriving on an international commercial flight, the carrier will be barred from operating flights to and from China for two weeks; if the number of cases reaches 10 or more, a four-week ban will be imposed.

The government banned all flights to and from the United Kingdom (UK) from 24 December 2020 until further notice.

Some flights from Algeria and Myanmar are banned until further notice, additional flights were also banned from Belarus, Spain, France, Iraq, Kenya, Russia and Myanmar until 30 August, Myanmar until 6 September, the Philippines, Myanmar, France, Egypt and Kenya until 13 September and the Philippines until 20 September.

International flights through Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX/ZBAD) were suspended from 7 August until further notice.

Last Update: 27 August 2021

Entry and Borders

Is there a ban on entry for any travellers? Partial Through what date? indef

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 40 Travellers from where are banned? Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kingdom of eSwatini, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome & Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank and Gaza, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Land border: Closed Maritime border: Closed

Entry Rules Explanation:

Most foreign nationals, including some visa and residency permit holders, have been denied entry to China. Diplomats, travellers on essential official business and "C" visa holders in international transportation services have been exempt on a case-by-case basis. Effective 28 September 2020, foreign travellers with valid residency permits for work, personal affairs or family reunification may enter the country. Eligible visa holders whose visas expired after 28 March 2020 may apply for a visa renewal at a Chinese consulate or embassy.

On 4 August, authorities temporarily suspended issuing entry and exit documents for non-

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 41 essential and non-emergency travel. Applications for studies, work and business abroad are accepted.

Officials in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, which borders Vietnam, have banned land and sea cross-border travel and suspended passenger transportation. Health screening controls remain in place at airports, major highways, waterways and railway stations.

The Torugart border crossing along the China-Kyrgyzstan border is open to allow the movement of goods.

The Erenhot border trading zone located between China’s Erenhot (Inner Mongolia autonomous region) and Mongolia’s Zamiin-Uud (Dornogovi province) has been reopened on 21 October, mostly for cross-border trade and logistics operators.

Officials have closed the Jiegao Bridge at the international border crossing area with Myanmar in Ruili, Yunnan province, on 30 March.

Entry Rules: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/gyls/lsgz/fwxx/t1817383.shtml Last Update:

Testing

Do travellers need to take a COVID-19 test Yes, conditional When? Before travel, After arrival Is it mandatory or optional? Mandatory Test Type: PCR, NAAT, Antibody Minimum age requirement: Pre-travel test validity, in hours: 72 before Departure After arrival test days: 14

Testing Explanation:

Pre-travel tests

All incoming travellers are subject to some form of testing. Passengers arriving by air from select high COVID-19 risk countries must possess a negative nucleic acid test or antibody test certificates for COVID-19, issued by facilities recognised by Chinese embassies prior to boarding flights. Check the departure country's Chinese Embassy/Consulate for updated pre- departure testing requirements.

From 12 October 2020, inbound passengers from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are also required to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued 72 hours prior to travel.

All travellers from Belgium, Poland and the Czech Republic from 6 November 2020 and the United Kingdom, Sweden and Denmark from 7 November 2020, must submit negative PCR

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 42 and IgM antibody testing certificates to embassies 48 hours prior to departure to China.

Effective 23 December 2020, travellers from the United States (US) must undertake negative PCR and IgM antibody tests 48 hours prior to departure and wait for the results to be obtained prior to departure. These tests must be done at Chinese consulate-designated facilities in the city of departure in the US; currently, there are direct flights to China departing from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Detroit and Dallas. Once the tests are obtained, travellers should send results immediately to their respective Chinese consulate or embassy and upload when applying for the health code on https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/register to be permitted to board flights to China.

China-bound travellers departing from Dallas in Texas, United States, who tested positive for COVID-19 on an IgM antibody test against S protein due to being recently vaccinated for COVID-19 have still been able to apply for the online health code necessary for entry into China from the Chinese Embassy as long as they received all necessary vaccine doses, and upload a report of negative IgM antibody test result against N protein, a Letter of Commitment on COVID-19 Vaccination and a vaccination certificate. The Letter of Commitment and a list of approved nucleic acid RT-PCR and IgM Serum antibody test laboratories can be found here.

After arrival tests

All arrivals in Beijing and Fujian province's Xiamen must test for COVID-19. Arrivals in Shanghai must take six COVID-19 PCR tests, while those arriving in Tianjin must test four times each week, during their quarantine and health monitoring periods. Travellers transiting in Sichuan province's Chengdu must take a nucleic acid test before being allowed to continue their travel. Similar after arrival testing requirements are likely at other ports of entry.

Vaccinated travellers

Foreign nationals with inoculation certificates for COVID-19 vaccines produced in China have been exempted from submission requirements of negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test results and Health and Travel Record Declaration Forms for visa applications when entering for work- related purposes from Hong Kong. Such travellers have been tested for COVID-19 upon arrival and on day 14 before being allowed to exit quarantine.

Testing Rules: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/notices/t1841416.htm Last Update: 28 August 2021

Health and Travel Documentations

Do arriving travellers need any health and/or travel documentation? Yes

Documentation Explanation:

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 43 All incoming and outgoing travellers must fill out an online health declaration form before travel and procure a QR code.

Health Document: http://health.customsapp.com/home/pages/index/index.html Last Update: 28 August 2021

Tracing App

Do travellers need to use a contact tracing app after arriving? Yes

Tracing App Explanation:

WeChat and Alipay, two most widely-used mobile apps for financial transactions across China, also generate QR health codes for contact tracing; these codes have to be scanned by all individuals when entering any public area.

IOS https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alipay- https://apps.apple.com/au/app/wechat/id414478124 App: simplify-your-life/id333206289 Andriod https://play.google.com/store/apps/details? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details? App: id=com.tencent.mm&hl=en id=com.eg.android.AlipayGphone&hl=en_AU Last 28 August 2021 Update:

Quarantine on Arrival

Who needs to quarantine on arrival Some travellers

Travellers from where need to quarantine? Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong,

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 44 Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kingdom of eSwatini, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome & Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank and Gaza, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How many days is quarantine? 14 Is it self-quarantine or operated by the government? Hybrid

Quarantine Explanation:

Most travellers arriving from abroad are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at a government-approved facility or hotel, but local quarantine requirements can differ between cities. Some localities implementing home isolations after centralised quarantine allowed transiting travellers to undergo centralised quarantine at the port of entry and complete the home isolation at their final destinations.

Travellers from Macau with negative results of COVID-19 nucleic acid test taken within seven days prior to departure who were not in other countries in the prior 14 days have been allowed quarantine free entry into mainland China.

Heilongjiang province: All arrivals from Russia are placed under quarantine at a government centre for 14 days followed by another 14 days of self-quarantine at home. Arrivals at Harbin must quarantine at a government centre for 14 days, followed by seven days of home quarantine.

Shanghai: All arrivals must quarantine at government-designated facilities for 14 days upon arrival, then undergo seven days of health monitoring including temperature checks further notice. Travellers to Jiangsu, Zhejiang or Anhui provinces transiting through Shanghai must undergo three days of quarantine at government-designated facilities in Shanghai and 11 more days at their final destination. Transiting travellers to all other destinations must complete 14 days of quarantine at government-designated facilities in Shanghai.

Zhejiang, Shandong, Anhui, Liaoning (except Dalian) and Guangdong provinces, and Xiamen and Fuzhou in Fujian province, Tianjin, and Zhengzhou in Henan province: All

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 45 travellers must undergo a 14-day quarantine at government facilities or hotels, followed by seven days of home quarantine.

Beijing, Chongqing and Liaoning province's Dalian: All arrivals must quarantine for 14 days at a designated government facility, followed by seven days of self-isolation at home or a designated facility, and further seven days of health monitoring.

Hubei and Jiangsu provinces: All arrivals must undergo 14 days of quarantine at government- designated facilities and further 14 days of home self-isolation.

Jilin province: Travellers bound for Jilin province must initially quarantine at government- designated facilities at their port of entry for 14 days. Travellers from high-risk countries must further quarantine at government-designated facilities in Jilin upon arrival, while those from non-high-risk countries must do so for seven days, followed by home quarantine for another seven days.

Pre-departure quarantine for select countries

Authorities announced in mid-February 2021 that travellers arriving from high-risk COVID-19 countries, including the Republic of Congo, Seychelles, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, must self-quarantine for 14 days prior to departure. Travellers from these countries have been required to comply with quarantine measures on arrival. Check each countries' Chinese Embassies for details and updates.

Last Update: 2021-08-28

Exit

Is there a ban on exit for any travellers? Partial

Are there special requirements to exit the country? Yes, conditional

Exit Requirements Explanation:

Chinese nationals on non-essential business are not allowed to exit through land border crossings at Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region and Torugart border crossing with Kyrgyzstan. Residents require permission from government to obtain passports for leaving the country.

Last Update: 28 August 2021

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 46 Vaccination

Percent vaccinated with at least one dose: - as of 21 Aug 2021 Percent fully vaccinated: - as of 26 Aug 2021 Is vaccination mandatory for entry? No Are vaccinated travellers exempt from any policies or requirements? Yes Exemptions: Testing, Documents Qualified vaccines and timeline: Sinopharm Phase 1 - 14 days after second dose. Sinovac - 14 days after second dose. CanSinoBIO - 14 days after first dose. Anhui Zhifei Longcom vaccine - 14 days after second dose. IMBCAMS, China - 14 days after second dose. Sinopharm Phase 2 - 14 days after second dose. Certificates accepted: Not Specified

Explanation:

Foreign nationals with inoculation certificates for COVID-19 vaccines produced in China have been exempted from submission requirements of negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test results, and Health and Travel Record Declaration Forms for visa applications when entering for work or family-related purposes from Hong Kong.

Foreign nationals with inoculation certificates for COVID-19 vaccines produced in China have been exempted from some document requirements, excluding certificates of negative COVID- 19 tests, for visa applications for work or family-related purposes at Chinese embassies and consulates in Belarus, Belgium, Denmark, Gabon, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and Russia.

Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccination certificates obtained outside of China must be notarised in Chinese and legalised. When vaccinated in Belarus, a vaccination certificate of a unified Belarusian format can be provided. Vaccination certificate obtained in Russia must comply with the unified Russian vaccination certificate format.

Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine certificates have been accepted by the Chinese Embassy in the United States, but still required a negative IgM antibody test against N protein for obtaining a visa.

Source: http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/vtc/t1860509.htm Last Update: 28 August 2021

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 47 Other International Travel Restrictions

Exit Requirements Explanation:

Last Update:

Domestic Situation

Areas on Lockdown

Lockdowns are periodically imposed and lifted in areas with suspected cases without much prior notice.

Residents of communities within areas of full lockdown (generally classified as orange code or high-risk) and partial lockdown (yellow code or medium risk) cannot leave their localities, while those with a green code (low-risk) can leave and re-enter their areas with entry passes but non-residents were banned entry. Movements of residents and vehicles on roads are not allowed in areas on full lockdown. Security forces enforce lockdown measures.

The updated list of high- and medium-risk areas can be found here.

High-risk areas

Henan province: Renmin Hospital east-ward district (Jiankang Street) and Liudanzhuang village committee's Hezhuang in Gushu town, Yucheng county, Shangqiu.

Yunnan province: Jiegao Guomen community in Ruili. Lockdown measures restricting entry and exit have been imposed in Ruili. Residents and workers with valid certificates (IDs, licences, etc.) have been allowed to enter, but must have a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result and approval from authorities to exit. The Jiegao Bridge has been closed to non- approved individuals.

Medium-risk areas

Shanghai: parts of Songjiang district and Pudong new district.

Jiangsu province: Parts of Yangzhou.

Yunnan province: Parts of Ruili that are not designated as high-risk areas.

Hubei province: Parts of Jingmen.

Henan province: Parts of Kaifeng, Zhengzhou and Shangqiu that are not designated as high-risk areas.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 48 Last Update: 27 August 2021

Areas under Curfew

Last Update:

Domestic Travel

Domistic Travel Explanation:

Flights, intercity transport and public transit are regularly suspended in areas on lockdown or with suspected cases.

Effective 4 August, all 31 provinces advised against non-essential inter-regional travel, particularly to and from high- and medium-risk areas; cross-city buses, taxes and ride-sharing services in those areas were suspended. The updated list of high- and medium-risk areas can be found here.

Domestic travellers with a “green” health code on government, WeChat or Alipay apps have been allowed on trains without negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test certificates nationwide except Beijing.

Flights have been suspended at Yangzhou Taizhou Airport (YTY/ZSYA) in Jiangsu province.

Shanghai authorities have mandated all domestic travellers from medium-risk areas to quarantine at government-designated facilities upon arrival for 14 days, then undergo seven days of health monitoring including temperature checks. Similar measures are likely in other areas following recent designations of additional medium- and high-risk areas.

Beijing

Residents have been urged not to leave Beijing, while inbound trains and buses from regions where new cases have been found have been suspended, including Yangzhou in Jiangsu province and Shangqiu in Henan province.

Only travellers with a green health code, issued to those who were not in any medium- or high-risk areas in the preceding 14 days, with a negative nucleic acid test result from within 48 hours prior to departure have been permitted entry. Arrival must test again upon arrival. Arrivals from high-risk areas must quarantine for 14 days at a designated government facility and a further seven days of health monitoring, while those from medium-risk areas must self- quarantine for 14 days and a further seven days of health monitoring.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 49 Last Update: 28 August 2021

Other Domestic Restrictions

Public gatherings are limited to 50 people in areas with a high risk of transmission rates.

Hubei province

On 8 April 2020, authorities formally lifted a 76-day lockdown on Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, allowing healthy residents and visitors to leave the city. Residents living in and outside Wuhan are allowed to travel into the city to resume work if they have a green health code issued by the government and normal body temperature. Residents across Hubei are still urged to avoid large gatherings and maintain hygiene and distancing measures while many businesses have reopened.

Last Update: 28 August 2021

Resources

Health Dept COVID Site: http://www.chinacdc.cn/jkzt/crb/zl/szkb_11803/

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 50 Recent incidents

26 August 2021 - 27 August 2021 Moderate risk: Authorities resume commercial flights at Nanjing Lukou International Airport - Update Local sources reported that commercial flights resumed at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG/ZSNJ) in Jiangsu province during morning hours local time, following flight suspensions due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

26 August 2021 - 28 August 2021 Moderate risk: Authorities lift lockdown measures in Beijing, other areas - Update Authorities lifted COVID-19 related lockdown measures across Beijing, as well as Zhumadian and Xuchang in Henan province, and Huanggang, Wuhan and Jingzhou in Hubei province as of 26 August, by transitioning them to low-risk areas from medium-risk areas, following no new cases of COVID-19. Free movements were allowed with face masks and other COVID-19 prevention measures.

25 August 2021 - 29 August 2021 Moderate risk: Flights resume between Ningbo and Beijing airports - Update Local sources reported that domestic flights resumed between Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB/ZSNB) in Zhejiang province and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX/ZBAD) on 25 August, after their suspensions due to COVID-19 outbreaks.

25 August 2021 - 29 August 2021 Medium risk: Authorities ease COVID-19 testing requirement for some travellers from Guangdong province, China - Update Authorities eased the COVID-19 testing requirement for travellers arriving via land checkpoints from Guangdong province in mainland China by allowing entry to those with negative COVID- 19 test results from within seven days prior to travel, longer than the 48-hour timeframe for all air travellers from mainland China. Only those who were not in Taiwan or any countries outside China within 21 days prior to arrival were eligible.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 51 Local Travel : Moderate Risk

Travel Safety

Air Travel and Airports: Security is generally decent at China's main international airports, where screening technology was upgraded as part of security preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Safety standards meet international requirements, and all major airports comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety guidelines. China's domestic airports have also introduced more stringent X-ray and passenger checks, following attempted terrorist and criminal attacks on domestic services.

However, in recent years multiple incidents have often called into question the professionalism and preparedness of airport and onboard security. On 29 June 2012, passengers and crew overpowered six would-be Uighur hijackers on a flight from Hotan to Urumqi, in the western province of Xinjiang. On 26 July 2015, a passengers tried to set off a crude bomb and stab fellow passengers onboard Shenzhen Airlines flight ZH 9648, before being stopped; the forbidden items were smuggled freely onto the plane, although safety checks were in place at Taizhou Airport (HYN/ZSLQ), the departing airport. The facility was closed until further notice for the potential impact of the security breach.

China's aviation industry has witnessed a boom in recent years with many new operators. Leading passenger airlines include China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China and Shenzhen Airlines, all of which belong to leading international airline alliances. All domestic carriers are regional subsidiaries of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Service and amenities on domestic carriers tend to be more basic than on international carriers, though safety and service improvements have been significant in the last decade.

Although there are no particularly high risks to passengers at airports in China, scams and pickpocketing, particularly at domestic airports in Beijing, Zhengzhou, Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao and Taiyuan, do occasionally occur. Low-scale attacks by either terrorist groups or deranged locals have also taken place: on 20 July 2013 at least one person was injured when a man moved by personal grievances detonated a small explosive package in the arrivals exit area of Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital Airport; there were no disruptions to flights and security personnel intervened effectively - although tardily.

Lastly, it should be stressed that the endemic persistence of delays and cancellations - mostly of domestic schedules - continues to be a huge problem for China's air travel. This is due to a range of reasons, including the insufficiency of air space corridors made available by military authorities in charge of managing the country's air traffic, poor military-civilian inter-agency communication, few runaways available per number of flying vessels, and the growing number of air travellers. According to flight data intelligence provider FlightStats, China ranked last in the world for schedules' punctuality in 2014. The delays often lead to scuffles between stranded passengers and airlines personnel, a number of which having also occurred onboard. Certain airlines have been forced to restructure their weekly schedule to cope with air traffic problems, and in early August 2015 Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific and its subsidiaries announced a drastic reduction in the volume of regular flights to Shanghai.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 52 China has several dozen international airports, and all major - and a growing number of secondary - Chinese cities have airports serviced by domestic carriers. Most international flights to China arrive at Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport or Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. Most four and five-star hotels operate their own airport shuttle services. The majority of airports have city bus or metro connections, and metered taxis are always available at large airports. Traffic wardens stationed at taxi queues record taxi number plates and passenger destinations. Travellers should not accept taxi services offered at undesignated taxi stands/queues.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK/ZBAA) is situated 27km (17 miles) northeast of Beijing. An Airport Express train links terminals 2 and 3 to the Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen stations of the Beijing metro. Shuttle buses run directly from the airport to multiple destinations in Beijing including Xidan, Beijing Railway Station, Gongzhufen, Fangzhuang, Zhongguancun, Wangjing, Beijing West Railway Station, and Shangdi. Shuttle buses also run from the airport to nearby cities such as Tianjin, Baoding and Tangshan.

**Shanghai Pudong Airport (**PVG/ZSPD) is the primary international airport for the Shanghai region, while **Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (**SHA/ZSSS) is primarily a domestic airport. A high speed maglev train links the airport to Longyang Road Metro station, and a regular speed metro line connects Pudong Airport to the city and to Hongqiao Airport.

Domestic flights are best booked through online platforms like Ctrip, or shops like China International Travel Service (CITS), China Travel Service (CTS), China Youth Travel Service (CYTS). Travellers are advised to confirm their flight 48 hours prior to departure. When travelling on a domestic flight, it is advisable to arrive at the airport up to three hours before departure time. The CAAC occasionaly overbooks flights.

Visa Requirements: All visitors to China must obtain a visa prior to arrival, and have a passport with at least six months' validity and two blank pages. Most travellers are issued 'L visas'. These are usually valid for one month from the date of entry into China, which must be within 90 days of the visa issue date. All L visas are single entry, unless a double or multiple-entry visa is specially requested. Entry into Hong Kong and Macau is considered departure from China. Single-entry visa holders must obtain a new visa to re-enter mainland China from Hong Kong or Macau. No separate visa is required for foreign visitors entering Hong Kong or Macau. When applying for a visa, travellers are advised to list common destinations (e.g. Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai) on the form. Travelers wishing to visit Tibet must apply for a Tibet Entry Permit through specialised travel agents based in China and travel can only be undertaken through organised tours.

Vaccinations and Documentation: Though there are no required vaccinations for travel to China, some are recommended. These are: hepatitis A (at least two weeks before departure); hepatitis B (especially if visiting China for more than 6 months); polio (one-time booster shot for extended travel to rural areas); typhoid; Japanese encephalitis (for extended rural travel); and rabies. Routine vaccinations for influenza, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) should be up to date. Additional medication to be purchased before travel may include malarial medication (for Hainan and Yunnan provinces), anti-diarrhoeal medicine and rehydration tablets. China requires anyone staying for a year or more in the country to undergo a physical examination, which includes a chest X-ray and an HIV test. Travellers testing positive for HIV/AIDS are permitted to

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 53 enter China since April 2010.

Road Travel: Road traffic in China is chaotic and traffic lights and rules are not always respected, so extreme caution is recommended when driving. At night, traffic lights at major intersections operate as flashing warning lights only with many drivers failing to yield or stop. Roads in China vary in quality, but major city roads and intercity highways are modern and in good condition. Travellers in rural areas will likely encounter rough, unpaved roads, and caution is advised, particularly if driving a motorcycle. Traffic in China moves on the right.

In March 2014 two major road accidents that caused dozens of fatalities prompted the Chinese Ministry of Public Security to announced additional measures to counter an increasing number of road accidents. The measures reportedly included heightened checks on accident-prone vehicles including coaches and vehicles loaded with inflammable chemicals in addition to a crackdown on traffic violations and refitted vehicles.

In major urban hubs, particularly Beijing, gridlock is common at all times of day. To ease congestion, cars bearing specific license plate numbers are banned from the road for one day a week. Speed limits vary across the country, with motorway speed limits ranging from 100 to 120kph (62 to 75mph), and urban speed limits ranging from 30 to 70kph (19 to 43mph). Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. The legal limit is 0.2 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood. When travelling long distances, drivers should use a reliable vehicle, carry an up-to-date map or GPS, be equipped with water, appropriate clothing, a telephone and emergency kit and identify gas stations along a planned route prior to departure.

Foreign driver’s licenses and International Driving Permits are not accepted in China. Travellers can obtain a provisional Chinese driver’s permit in major cities. Hiring a driver is often the best option for visitors wishing to travel by car.

Public Transport

Boats/Ferries: Safety is good on international ferries, but overcrowding can be a problem on domestic services. There has been a number of mass fatality ferry accidents in recent years, many caused by negligence and dilapidated vessels. If planning several domestic ferry trips, travellers are advised to buy their own buoyancy aid, as most vessels do not carry enough lifejackets for all passengers.

Ferries are commonly used for both domestic and international travel. The SinoJapan International Ferry Company operates a weekly 45-hour ferry service from Shanghai to Kobe, Osaka, and Yokohama, Japan. Jingshen Steamboat Company operates between Tianjin and Kobe, Japan, twice a week. Daren Passenger and Cargo Liner runs a 15-hour service from Dalian to Inchon, South Korea, twice a week. Weihaiwei Shipping Company sails from Weihai and Qingdao to Inchon, South Korea, three times a week. Ferries operate on the Songhua River connecting Harbin, Qiqihar, Jiamusi, and Khabarovsk, Russia. There are also many overnight domestic ferry routes, including services from Suzhou to Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Beihai to Hainan Island, Macau to Hong Kong, and Shanghai to Chongqing via the Yangtze River.

Metro: Underground rail networks are available in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. They are reliable and safe to use, but can be very overcrowded. Petty thieves present the biggest risk for

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 54 metro users. Travellers should always carry valuables in a secure inside pocket and avoid putting their bags down, as bag theft is common.

Buses: Driving in China can be reckless and bus accidents occur regularly. Caution should be exercised when travelling by bus. Travellers are advised to choose routes with the shortest journey time, and not to use buses that appear to be in a poor state of repair. The safest place to sit on any bus is in an aisle seat in the middle of the vehicle.

Long-distance buses range in comfort and quality. Ordinary buses are the cheapest, make frequent stops, and have basic wooden seats. Sleeper buses have two tiers of narrow bunks or seats that recline and are frequently dirty and crowded. Minibuses operate on shorter routes and are usually overcrowded. Express buses travel directly to their final destination, are air-conditioned and enforce a no-smoking policy.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available in China. Unlicensed cabs are common and can grossly overcharge. Licensed taxis can be recognised by the taxi company's insignia, taxi roof light display, and visible meter. Travellers are advised to change taxis if the meter is broken or obscured. The taxi license, complete with the driver’s picture, should always be on display. Asking a trusted local how much a particular journey should cost can be useful. In cities like Beijing or Shanghai, indicating an intention to report the driver to the complaints board can help in case of overcharging. To report taxis in Beijing, dial +86-10-68351150. For Shanghai, dial +86-21-63232150.

Travellers are advised to carry a card with the address of their chosen destination in Chinese to show the driver. Many drivers in major cities are now required to learn some basic English phrases, but communication may still be difficult. Hotels are usually able to arrange taxis for guests.

Train: China boasts the world's longest high-speed railway network with over 11,028 kilometres (6,852 miles) of track as of December 2013. Colossal infrastructure investments have been planned in recent years and the network for modern high-speed trains (CRH) is set to grow further by 2020. Besides CRH trains, China is served by a vast intercity network covering virtually every corner of the country; these second-generation trains tend to be less comfortable, although still very reliable for time schedules. English-speaking service on non-CRH trains is non-existent. Intercity trains operate around the clock and are equipped with sleeper compartments and air conditioning and are kept in good condition. New CRH trains are very comfortable and fast and represent a remarkable alternative to air travel; they currently do not operate overnight services, except on the Beijing-Shanghai route.

In autumn 2014, China inaugurated the first stretch of a 1,775-kilometre (1,100-mile) strategic railway between Xinjiang's capital Ürümqi and Gansu's capital Lanzhou, connecting its vast and resource- rich western region with booming cities in central China. Another key route expected to be completed by 2015 is the Chengdu-Guiyang-Guangzhou railway link, allowing the cheaper industrial districts in central China to be rapidly connected to high-tech outlets and financial centres in eastern Guangdong province.

Timetables for all services are published twice a year in April and October and are available at train stations and on the internet. Buying train tickets has improved, as an increasing number of stations in tier-1 cities introduced English-speaking counters. Buying tickets in advance is highly recommended, as popular long-distance trains can fill up fast, especially when holiday seasons approach (particularly

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 55 Chinese new-year, Labour Day and the National Holiday).

Vehicle Rental: Car rental facilities are not widely available, except at some large airports, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macau. Travellers who decide to rent a car must convert their International Driver's License to a Chinese licence and cannot take the car out of the city in which it was rented. Hiring a driver for the day can be a substantially cheaper and easier alternative to renting a car.

Recent incidents

27 August 2021 - 29 August 2021 Moderate risk: Large building blaze erupts in Dalian, Liaoning province Local reports indicated that a massive fire broke out at Kaixuan International high-rise building in Dalian City, Liaoning province, during evening hours local time on 27 August; upwards of 366 firefighters were deployed at the scene; residents were reportedly evacuated and there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 56 Country Hotspots

Tibet (Xizang) Autonomous Region: Tibet has been the scene of unrest and protests by ethnic Tibetans resisting the repression imposed by the Chinese government in Beijing. Travellers are advised to exercise caution when travelling in Tibet and to avoid discussions about politics, separatism, or the government.

There are also a number of Tibetan autonomous prefectures and counties outside Tibet which are culturally Tibetan to various degrees, which require special permission for access and which are subject to occasional political and ethnic protests. Avoid crowds and protests in such provinces in Sichuan (Seda, Aba, Dege and Luhuo counties), Qinghai (Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture), Gansu (Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) and Yunnan, where protests by ethnic Tibetans have in past led to confrontations with police.

Travel to the Tibet is limited to government-approved groups with the relevant permits. The Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) permit, issued by Chinese travel agencies that handle trips to Tibet, allows visitors to enter Lhasa, the most common point of entry into Tibet. Upon arrival in Lhasa, visitors are free to pursue individual travel. However, travel beyond Lhasa to Shigatse, Tsetang, Mt Everest Base Camp, or other parts of Tibet requires joining a tour group and obtaining a special travel permit through a local travel agency. The Chinese government occasionally issues travel bans for Tibet during religious festivals or periods of elevated ethnic tensions. These restrictions are generally lifted after several weeks, and foreign travel resumes with the usual limitations. Travellers should not list Tibet as travel destinations on their Chinese visa application to avoid being questioned on the nature of their travel and risking their visa being denied. The list of destinations submitted is not binding. In addition to the TTB permit, some parts of Tibet require an Aliens' Travel Permit (ATP) issued by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) in Lhasa, Xigatse and Ali. The list of regions that require ATPs often changes, so inquire locally. Photography of borders and restricted areas is prohibited.

Most of Tibet has altitudes over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet). Altitude sickness and hypothermia are a risk in these areas. The region is also subject to extreme temperatures, regardless of season, and visitors should dress and plan accordingly. Buses from Qinghai are known to ascend quite rapidly, increasing the likelihood of passengers getting ill. Flying or taking the train are better options, as they allow travellers more time to acclimatise. Travellers planning to travel to these areas should seek medical advice in advance, allow time for acclimatisation to the high altitude, and remain alert to signs of altitude sickness.

Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region: China's westernmost province, Xinjiang, has experienced a resources boom in recent years that has seen significant, but highly unequal economic development and a wave of immigration of Han Chinese from eastern China. The province has been the scene of occasional bombings and separatist uprisings by the ethnic Uighur people, who are predominantly Muslim, in the cities of Kashgar and Urumqi. Beijing has pursued a campaign of repression against the ethnic Uighur community. Travellers are advised to exercise caution and to avoid discussions about politics, separatism, or the government. Xinjiang shares an international border with eight states. Border crossings can close without notice, so it is advisable to check their status before attempting to cross borders.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 57 The Chinese government may occasionally issue travel bans for Xinjiang during religious festivals or periods of elevated ethnic tensions. Travellers should not list Xinjiang as travel destinations on their Chinese visa application to avoid being questioned on the nature of their travel and risking their visa being denied. The list of destinations submitted is not binding.

Parts of Xinjiang have altitudes over 3,000 metres (10,000 feet). Altitude sickness and hypothermia are a risk in these areas. Certain areas can be subject to extreme temperatures, regardless of season, and visitors should dress and plan accordingly. Travellers planning to travel to these areas should seek medical advice in advance, allow time for acclimatisation to the high altitude, and remain alert to signs of altitude sickness.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 58 Safety

Beaches and Public Areas: Water is heavily polluted and swimming should be avoided in many areas of China’s coastline, particularly near major industrial cities like Tianjin, Shanghai and Dalian. The beaches of Hainan are a popular destination and are more suitable for swimming. Valuables should never be left unattended and strong currents and undertows may present a risk for inexperienced swimmers in some areas. Where unsure of water conditions, travellers should consult locals before entering the water.

Begging: While beggars are not common in China, there are street children in some urban areas and though they do not pose a safety risk, they can be a nuisance and very insistent. Travellers are advised against giving money to children who are begging, as they often belong to organised groups that force them to beg or steal from foreigners. If surrounded by child beggars, travellers should exercise caution, as there have been reports of children working in groups to distract and pickpocket foreign visitors.

Discrimination: While there is little overt discrimination toward foreign visitors to China, travellers are treated as something of a curiosity and may attract a fair amount of attention. Catcalls of "hello" or "laowai" (‘foreigner’ in Mandarin) may be encountered quite often. This can be a nuisance and is best ignored. There is strong discrimination regarding skin colour within the Chinese population.

Food and Drink: Travellers should avoid consuming raw vegetables or drinking tap water in rural areas. Caution should be exercised when eating from open-air food stalls as poor hygiene and exposure to pollution pose health risks.

Police: The police force in China, referred to as the Public Security Bureau (PSB), is plagued with corruption and bureaucracy. Most travellers are unlikely to encounter the PSB unless reporting a crime, extending a visa, or applying for a permit to visit restricted areas. Many local PSB offices do not have English-speaking staff, so travellers are advised to bring a translator or contact their hotel for assistance. In the event of a crime or missing passport, travellers should contact their embassy or consulate in addition to the police. Dial 110 for police on mainland China.

Pollution: Air quality in urban and industrial areas of China has deteriorated precipitously over the past 50 years, resulting in a corresponding increase in asthma and respiratory diseases.

The effects of deteriorating roadside air quality typically get worse in the winter (December - February), when the demand for heat leads to a spike in fossil fuel consumption. Even short exposure to the occassional "very high" or "severe" particulate concentrations are dangerous for those suffering from underlying heart or lung illnesses. Air pollutants including respirable suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxide (originating in the southern Chinese factory belt) increase the viscosity of elements in the blood, binding cells together to form clots that may obstruct blood vessels in the heart or the head, and contribute to risk of heart attack or stroke. Travellers with acute respiratory problems are advised to consult regional air quality reports before engaging in outdoor activities.

Protests: Up to 200 protests take place every day across China, mostly in the countryside, and

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 59 reports suggest that incidences of social conflict are increasing. Ethnic unrest is most common in areas with a high proportion of Tibetan residents, including the provinces of Sichuan, Gansu, Quinghai and Xizang. Small protests can sometimes escalate into confrontations between citizens and the security forces. Protests rarely involve foreign visitors but it is best to avoid large crowds and carry photo identification. It is illegal to photograph demonstrations.

Water Safety: Drinking tap water should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available and sometimes provided by hotels. Travellers are advised to make sure the bottle is sealed and has not been tampered with before drinking. Most hotels provide hot, boiled water for tea. This water is generally safe for consumption.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 60 Culture

Cultural Sensitivities: China is home to 56 recognised ethnic minorities. Many of these are situated along the Yellow River, Yangtze River and Pearl River basins. Han, or ethnic Chinese, make up 92 percent of China's population. Maintaining harmony with its minorities has been a challenge for Beijing. Travellers are advised to exercise caution when discussing ethnic background, as offence can easily be caused.

While foreign nationals are common in big cities, they are rare in rural areas where they will experience frequent staring by the locals. The large number of migrant workers from rural areas in large cities makes this very common also in big cities. This is simply curiosity and should not be interpreted as threatening.

The concept of 'saving face' is extremely important in Chinese culture. It is considered shameful to argue or become angry. Directly confronting a Chinese person or asking them to admit a mistake can result in embarrassment, so travellers are advised to handle difficult situations by being polite but firm.

The standard greeting is a handshake, not a bow. Business travellers should make sure they have ample supplies of name cards, which they should give and receive with both hands; a business card given to you should be studied closely for several moments, then laid on the table in front of you, not thrust in the pocket. It is also considered polite to meet and greet the most senior member of the opposite delegation first, before moving on to more junior members. When at a relatively formal drinking event it is customary to pour drinks for others, but not for yourself. It is considered bad form to pour your own drink, so wait for someone else to offer. When toasting, always keep your glass lower than the other party, unless you are older or have a more senior position.

Political Sensitivities: China's communist government has drawn criticism from the international community for its political repression and human rights violations. Conversations about the government, human rights, the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident, religion, and separatist aspirations in Tibet or Xinjiang should be avoided. Relations with Taiwan remain a sensitive issue and should also be avoided. Openly engaging in such topics with Chinese citizens, unless they are close friends, could result in confrontation.

Religious Sensitivities: All religions in China must be registered with the state. The official policy is to tolerate religion but not encourage it. Only atheists are allowed to join the Communist Party. While China's constitution officially ensures religious freedom, this has not always been applied. Monasteries and temples are generally required to operate as museums, instead of solely as places of worship. There have been reports of religious persecution of Buddhists and Christians. Falun Gong, a Buddhist-oriented belief system, has been branded a "cult" and Beijing has taken a heavy-handed approach to its followers. Travellers have been detained or expelled from China for distributing religious literature.

When travelling to Tibet, conversations about the government, religion, and separatist aspirations must be avoided. Pictures of the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan flag are forbidden.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 61 Specific Traveller Advice

Female Travellers Local Customs and Laws: There are no local customs or laws that a female traveller should take into consideration in China. Familiarise yourself with your destination prior to travel, and be respectful and mindful of any cultural sensitivities, which may include dress, behaviour and topics of discussions as there are some political and cultural sensitivities prevalent in the society.

Safety: There are minimal safety concerns that a female traveller should take into consideration in China. There are occasional reports of sexual harassment and assaults of women onboard buses and trains and in nightclubs. While such incidents usually occur in rural areas after dark, visitors to the territory are not likely to face an additional risk. Some cities have women-only subway cars in trains and women-only buses; if available consider sitting in women’s only sections especially for night-time travel. Exercise personal safety awareness if walking alone at night. Stick to main, well-lit streets and avoid walking through desolate areas or unfamiliar neighbourhoods. Refrain from wearing headphones while walking in the evening. Restrict evening entertainment to well-known avenues. Avoid sitting in the front seat of the taxi, especially at night, and always take the seat behind the driver, to minimise risks of sexual harassment by drivers. Police are often efficient and quick in responding to reports of sexual crimes. Female travellers will not encounter any problems dealing with first responders or reporting crimes to local police and security services.

Health and Wellness: Women have access to some specialised gynaecological and reproductive health services, medicines and products in urban areas of China, particularly in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Abortion is legal in China, but the quality of healthcare clinics, availability of rape kits and gynaecological services are poor in rural areas. Female-specific OTC drugs, prescription and emergency contraceptives and feminine hygiene products are not available in rural areas. Consult a health professional prior to travel. Consider bringing an adequate supply of female-specific OTC drugs, feminine hygiene products and oral contraceptive pills, which may not be available locally.

LGBT+ Homosexuality is legal in China. There are no legal protections for LGBT+ persons in the country. Same-sex marriage is illegal. LGBT+ activity and persons are somewhat socially accepted, but only in private and in some big cities like Shanghai, Beijing or Shenzhen. Despite the legal status of LGBT+ rights, social conservatism may be prevalent in some parts of the country - including Xinjiang and Tibet - as overall mainland Chinese society and minorities remain deeply conservative and LGBT+ persons will struggle to find social acceptance. Travellers may prefer to be discreet about sexual orientation in areas where attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are unknown or generally not accepted and should avoid public displays of affection as this is generally not accepted. Considering booking hotel rooms with two separate beds. Transgender travellers may wish to consider having their passport and identification changed to reflect their new gender before travelling.

Technology & Communication Risk Travellers are certain to face risks related to information and communication technology (ICT) in China.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 62 Internet access and social media have many restrictions. Most internet and social media content of political or religious nature cannot be accessed freely and any associated social media posting can be unlawful. Popular foreign websites like Google, Gmail, Youtube, Wikipedia or Facebook cannot be accessed while China has developed its own social media and search engines. Restrictions were further tightened with the adoption of a new Cyber Security Law in 2016: the law, among other things, introduced the idea of sovereignty for cyberspace and stricter obligations for all internet products and services providers. It should be noted that restrictions are typically tightened during high-level political meetings of the Communist Party of China (CPC) or during other sensitive dates, particularly - but not limited to - in the capital Beijing. Similarly, additional restrictions can be put in place in Tibet or Xinjiang regions. Authorities have intimidated and imprisoned journalists for publishing content deemed critical of the government. China’s internet restrictions do not apply to the special administrative regions of Hong Kong or Macau, although it is known that the central government monitors internet activity in the two territories.

There are many concerns related to device searches or sensitive technology. Device searches and inspections at the border are unlikely but they can occur, particularly at China’s land border crossings. There are some restrictions in relation to bringing or operating sensitive equipment, which may include photo cameras, satellite phones, drones, and other GPS systems, in the country. In particular, the possession of satellite phones is illegal in the country and individuals caught risk arrest and possible prison time. Operating sensitive equipment can be subject to more strict regulations in Tibet or Xinjiang regions. State or criminal penetration of private data is certain. Authorities implement pervasive state surveillance of ICT networkss in the country.

Travellers must ensure that their ICT usage is compliant with local laws and regulations during their stay in the country. Contingency plans may be necessary to ensure access to the internet, including the use of a reliable virtual private network (VPN), which should be installed and ready to use prior to arrival in the country. Travellers should be aware of multiple restrictions in accessing internet websites/platforms and/or digital services. Avoid using free wireless access in public areas of large cities and use a VPN to access the internet. Note that multiple, easily-available VPNs have Chinese- based ownership and could be controlled by Chinese authorities. Travellers should note that ICT laws and practices are subject to change on short notice, and travellers are recommended to confirm the legality/appropriateness of their specific ICT needs prior to departure.

Travellers should be prepared for possible device searches at the border and must ensure that their ICT devices are compliant with local laws and regulations prior to arrival into the country. It is recommended that only a blank laptop or smartphone device without personal or corporate data stored is brought into the country.

The country is known for its surveillance of telephone and electronic communications and travellers should assume that communication is monitored all the time. Hotel rooms may also be subject to surveillance and even accessed without the consent of the guest. Cyber criminal groups may be present in the country. Travellers should avoid bringing sensitive data into the country, unless robust hardware and software data security measures are in place; all computers should be equipped with an up-to-date, reliable, anti-virus system. Devices should never be left out of sight unguarded; if leaving your computer in a hotel room, make use of a safe box for storing it. It is also recommended to refrain from accessing or storing sensitive information in computers and other electronic devices

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 63 during their stay in the country.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / China 64 Legal notice

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