As COVID-19 cases surge in China, Morocco is banning all travelers from the country regardless of nationality starting Tuesday.

Morocco's ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement on Saturday, "This exceptional measure in no way affects the sincere friendship between the two peoples nor the strategic partnership between the two countries."

Morocco and China have enjoyed a growing economic relationship.

Local media reported that according to Morocco's tourist authority, the country hosted more than 130,000 visitors from China before the pandemic in 2018, up from 10,000 in 2015.

Other countries including the United States, Britain and France plan to impose COVID restrictions on arrivals from China, requiring negative test results.

Japan imposed emergency border controls on travelers from China on Friday.

All travelers on direct flights from mainland China and people who have been there within seven days before coming to Japan will be tested for the virus upon arrival.