Russian-speaking Population in the context of the Migration Policy of the PRC before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
The first cases of COVID-19 were recorded at the end of 2019. In 2020, the pandemic swept the whole world. Most countries have taken appropriate measures to prevent the new coronavirus infection. Demographic losses from coronavirus in China were lower than in Europe and the United States. China effectively coped with a previously unknown virus in a few months. The article examines the impact of COVID-19 on migration processes in the PRC, including the impact on tourism, educational and labor migrants. Changes in the migration policy of China are analyzed, in particular, the tightening of the rules for the entry of foreign citizens and further adjustments in the system of international passenger transportation. Examples of easing the rules of entry in some countries of South-East Asia due to the weakening of the pandemic are given. Particular attention is paid to the situation of the Russian-speaking population in China before and during the COVID-19. The presence of Russians on the territory of China as a formed Russian-speaking community is characterized. It is indicated that the epidemic had a greater impact on life in cities where strict quarantine was introduced. Russian-speaking migrants had to face the same difficulties as local residents. The impact of the pandemic on Russian students, businessmen and labor migrants in the PRC is analyzed. The measures taken by the Russian Federation for the urgent and successful evacuation of Russian citizens from China are analyzed. It is noted what difficulties compatriots faced during the evacuation.