[March 7th] China confirmed on Sunday that it would issue "health certificates" - an initial step towards a global health passport that would allow for free international travel amid COVID-19. 

"We will introduce an international health certificate... and launch the Chinese version of an international electronic health travel document" Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at his annual press conference. This will verify nucleic acid tests and vaccination records! 

New Clinical Trials

According to Wang, over 100,000 volunteers from at least 100 countries are participating in international clinical trials of China's COVID-19 vaccines and more than 60 countries have approved their use, suggesting their safety and efficacy. 

Chinese experts agree that mutual recognition of vaccination and health conditions will benefit international exchanges. A Shanghai-based vaccine expert commented that there could still be stricter management measures in future, however. 

          Vaccine Passports

It was also suggested that international arrivals could be exempt from the 14-day quarantine if they tested negatively and have this passport, and that people within China could travel freely. 

       Mutual Recognition

     Vaccination mutual recognition means an agreement on vaccines and their effectiveness, however such a thing will require lengthy negotiations. It is expected to start with regions like Hong Kong and Macau and then hoped to expand internationally.