China reopens its borders as lunar new year travel rush begins

Published

3 years ago

January 9, 2023

China has lifted one of its final Covid-19 quarantine measures, as international travellers arrive onshore

After almost three years of strict Covid-19 measures, China has opened its border.

On Sunday, mainland China opened to Hong Kong travellers as part of the last Covid-zero strategy, which has been a hallmark of Beijing’s response to the pandemic.

The policy, which had been described as “draconian” by Human Rights Watch, had largely kept China’s 1.4 billion people safe from the virus.

However, it had also cut Beijing off from the rest of the world and led to nationwide protests at some of the nation’s largest univerisities.

One woman told the AFP news agency she was pleased with the easing of restrictions, while waiting at Shanghai’s Pudong international airport.

“I think it’s really good that the policy has changed now, it’s really humane.”

“It’s a necessary step, I think. Covid has become normalised now and after this hurdle everything will be smooth,” she said.

As the Covid measures were loosened, many rushed to plan travel abroad.

However, some European countries imposed mandatory pre-departure Covid-19 tests on Chinese travellers.

The European Union said tests should be taken not more than 48 hours prior to departure from China.

It follows a rise in locally-acquired Covid-19 infection across China, making it the nation’s worst-ever outbreak.

Travel freedom as lunar new year looms

Millions of Chinese travellers are expected to take to the skies as China enters its busy lunar new year holiday period.

On Saturday, China marked the start of the 40-day travel period.

China’s Ministry of Transport said more than 2 billion passengers will travel in the 40-day holiday period.

Beijing officials believe it would mark 70 per cent of the holiday traffic seen on pre-pandemic figures.

U.S. envoys head to Moscow as Ukraine peace talks accelerate

U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.

Published

16 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.

Senior U.S. envoys are preparing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as diplomatic efforts around the war in Ukraine gather pace. The visit comes after Russia formally requested high-level talks, signalling a potential shift in momentum.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to travel to Moscow following months of behind-the-scenes discussions. The move underscores Washington’s willingness to engage directly as negotiations enter a more decisive phase.

With global attention fixed on the outcome, the meeting could shape the next chapter of the conflict — and determine whether diplomacy can finally overtake military escalation.

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News

Trump drops tariff threat after Greenland framework deal

Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.

Published

16 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a framework deal involving Greenland, stepping back from earlier threats to impose tariffs on Europe. The shift comes after heightened global concern over trade tensions and geopolitical stability.

The announcement followed Trump’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos and discussions with NATO’s Secretary General.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister has since weighed in, responding to speculation surrounding Greenland’s future and the implications of US involvement.

Markets reacted positively, with US stocks rallying after Trump signalled he would abandon the tariff threats.

While Trump reiterated he would not use force to acquire Greenland, the move has sparked renewed debate about diplomacy, trade, and influence in the Arctic region.

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News

Coalition cracks deepen as Nationals break ranks over Labor reforms

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

Published

2 days ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

A rift has emerged in the Coalition after three Nationals senators crossed the floor to vote against Labor’s post-Bondi hate group reforms, defying party lines and raising questions about their future in the shadow cabinet.

Their proposed amendment calling for greater scrutiny was rejected, and Labor’s legislation passed the Senate 38 votes to 22, cementing the reforms into law despite opposition pushback.

Coalition leadership will meet Wednesday to assess the political fallout, though some MPs consider the issue minor in terms of potential resignations. The incident highlights growing tensions within the party as internal discipline comes under pressure.

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