China is an open, inclusive and safe country and Japan's hype of the so-called "safety risks" in China is malicious exaggeration, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.
Guo made the statements in response to a question about the so-called "safety alert" on China issued by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"I don't know where is the basis for the Japanese side to issue the so-called safety alert. Japan's so-called safety alert maliciously exaggerates the so-called safety risks in China, with an obvious intention of political manipulation. We strongly disapprove of and firmly opposes it and have lodged solemn representations to Japan," Guo said.
"China is an open, inclusive and safe country. We welcome people from all countries, including Japan, to travel, study, do business and live in China. We will continue to take effective measures to safeguard the safety of both Chinese citizens and foreign nationals in China on an equal footing. We urge Japan to immediately correct its wrongdoings and foster positive atmosphere for people-to-people exchanges between China and Japan," he said.
China open, inclusive, safe: spokesman
China open, inclusive, safe: spokesman
A newly revamped international transit zone in Haikou Meilan International Airport in south China's Hainan Province will officially begin service on Thursday, the first day of China's five-day May Day Holiday, to provide a more convenient and efficient service to tourists.
Trial operations of the international transit zone began on Monday.
A passenger plane carrying over 180 passengers departed from Melbourne, Australia and landed at Haikou Meilan International Airport in the early hours of Tuesday. Many of the passengers transferred to other destinations via the newly upgraded international transit zone.
Airport staff guided the passengers holding Chinese and international passports through separate channels in the transit area.
Thanks to a smart pre-screening system, travelers can pass swiftly through customs and security checks in the transit zone, and they do not have to reclaim checked luggage or undergo additional security screening.
The newly upgraded zone has significantly improved the passenger experience. Walking distances for transit passengers have been reduced by nearly 50 percent, and the customs inspection and waiting areas have been expanded by over 50 percent. The zone's capacity to handle passengers during peak hour has increased from 44 passengers per hour to 200.
"To Guangzhou, not even 5 minutes. Very fast, and very nice people," said one transiting passenger.
Chinese airport upgrades international transfer area for smoother service
