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Opinion | Row over Covid curbs on Chinese travellers could be a chance to find common ground
- The decision of some countries such as Japan and South Korea to impose entry restrictions on Chinese travellers amid a rise in Covid-19 cases in China has upset Beijing
- The pandemic in general, and travel in particular, are issues on which solutions can be found relatively easily, which could be a source of goodwill amid larger tensions
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As individuals, we are all different. We come from different backgrounds, speak different languages, belong to different ethnic groups, or hold different beliefs. That is why we’re encouraged to find common ground when interacting with others who we may disagree with. Common ground helps us foster mutual understanding, come to agreements, accept our differences and also prevent echo chambers.
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This approach is also effective between countries which disagree with each other on almost everything. A good example is that, last November, China and the United States agreed to resume cooperation on climate change.
The international community welcomed this move because the two countries have been locked in conflict on several issues, including ongoing trade tensions and a US export ban on certain technology to China.
Today, we are witnessing a new source of conflict between China and many countries, Japan and South Korea in particular, over cross-border entry restrictions. We need new common ground to resolve it.
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Earlier this month, China reopened its borders for the first time in three years. Incoming travellers no longer need to quarantine, and many Chinese people are expected to travel abroad.
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