French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said Tuesday that Covid-19 tests for travellers arriving from China would continue despite protests from Beijing.
"I think we're performing our duty in protecting French people by asking for tests," Borne told franceinfo radio when asked about China's reaction.
"We're doing it while respecting the rules of the World Health Organisation and we will continue to do it," she added.
Read more: ‘Some say they’ve been waiting for…': Kabul residents decry passport delays
From Thursday, all travellers will be required to present a negative PCR or antigen test undertaken less than 48 hours before their flight.
French authorities have described the testing regime as a means of tracking variants that might be spreading in China since the country lifted its strict Covid-19 restrictions.
Read more: 'Wasn’t my fault': Donald Trump shrugs off Republicans' showing in midterms
"Our objective -- and all the scientists agree on this point -- is to follow the evolution of the virus and that's what we've been doing since Sunday," Borne said.
{{/usCountry}}"Our objective -- and all the scientists agree on this point -- is to follow the evolution of the virus and that's what we've been doing since Sunday," Borne said.
{{/usCountry}}European nations are seeking to coordinate their responses, with France, Italy and Britain testing arrivals while other states such as Germany have no restrictions.