The move is seen as easing tensions between the nations

 
When China lifted its zero covid policy late last year – there was a wave a covid infections across the country.

That sparked fears that letting the virus rip in a country of almost 1.5 billion people would see new variants emerge.

A number of countries, including the U.S., Japan and South Korea, imposed travel restrictions.

In December, when the U.S. announced that travellers from China would need to show a negative test to enter – sources told media outlets there was also a lack of transparency from Chinese officials on case numbers.

Now, those restrictions in the U.S. are set to be lifted.

The Wall Street Journal – who initially broke the story – said the decision was made by national security and health officials – and airlines should be notified shortly.

The Biden administration says it will still monitor cases.

It’s a surprising move – and may perhaps be seen as extending an olive branch – as tensions continue to ratchet up between the world’s two largest economies.

Earlier this week, the US Department of Energy concluded that the virus likely emerged from a lab accident.

This angered Beijing – seeing it issue a statement calling the U.S.’ conclusion “politics-driven” and saying Washington needs “to respect science and facts and stop politicising this issue.”

Earlier this week at China’s National People’s Congress – President Xi took aim at the US – accusing it of trying to “contain, encircle and suppress” China. #trending