News has leaked in the last few days that China is preparing to open her borders to foreigners once again. It emerged during a regular press conference on Tuesday that ongoing discussions could see South Koreans and Singaporeans as the first to return to China.
近几天有消息称，中国准备再次向外国人开放边境。周二的例行新闻发布会上透露，正在进行的讨论可能会让韩国人和新加坡人成为第一批返回中国的人。
On 21 April, Geng Shuang, Spokesman of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presided over a press conference like any other. That was until a reporter asked whether Geng could confirm that China is discussing the relaxing of border controls with various countries.
4月21日，中国外交部发言人耿爽像以往一样主持记者会。直到有记者询问耿爽能否证实中方正在与各国讨论放松边境管制的问题。
Geng was able to reveal that China is indeed negotiating a fast track arrangement that would permit foreigners entry for the purposes of important business, matters related to technology and other essential personnel exchange.
耿爽透露，中国确实正在谈判一项快速通道安排，允许外国人出于重要业务、技术相关事宜和其他重要人员交流目的入境。
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The negotiations have the aim of stabilising China’s important economic and trade cooperation with relevant countries, reports The Paper.
澎湃新闻报道称，此次谈判的目的是稳定中国与有关国家的重要经贸合作。
The overall intention remains to ensure the safe and smooth operation of the international industrial supply chain, while addressing epidemic prevention.
总体目的仍然是在做好防疫工作的同时，确保国际产业供应链安全平稳运行。
Geng was also able to confirm that Le Yucheng, Vice Foreign Minister of China, held a video conference with Zhao Shigui, first official of the Ministry of Foreign affairs of South Korea. The two reached a consensus in principle on the establishment of a fast track between China and South Korea.
耿爽还证实，中国外交部副部长乐玉成与韩国外交部首任官员赵世贵举行了视频会议。两国就建立中韩快速通道达成原则共识。
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It was further revealed that Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luo Zhaohui, and Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chi Weiqiang, co-chaired the China-Singapore video conference, during which the joint consent was made to facilitate the necessary personnel exchanges.
据透露，外交部副部长罗照辉与新加坡外交部长迟伟强共同主持中新视频会议，双方一致同意为必要的人员往来提供便利。
While this all comes as good news for foreigners, it is hardly surprising. China is leading the way in returning life to normality with its staggered approach. Given South Korea’s similar success with fighting the epidemic and the sheer number of South Koreans in China, it was almost inevitable that they be among the first.
虽然这对外国人来说都是好消息，但这并不奇怪。中国正以分阶段的方式引领生活恢复正常。鉴于韩国在抗击疫情方面取得了类似的成功，而且在中国的韩国人数量庞大，他们成为第一批人几乎是不可避免的。
