I don't think that Australia has been moved to the "RAT okay" list yet, but I suppose it might be worth checking the PRC embassy website there. Otherwise, PCR tests in HK are cheap and easy to arrange, but obviously not as cheap/easy as self-administered RATs.

A friend just came back from China to the Philippines. She said she did not take any covid tests prior to her flight to Xiamen, she didn't know it was required. But she was not asked for the test during checkin in MNL nor in XMN.

It doesn't matter whether you come from a "RAT okay" country or not, as soon as you pass through Hong Kong, you must do a PCR if you then enter China within 7 days. This is a rule specific to Hong Kong (and Macau).

I see. In that case, the Shekou Ferry from Sky Pier could be a good workaround.

You must do it but they don’t check. So take from that what you will.

I hope they lift this soon.

It's absurd to ask a selective set of countries to produce PCR results as a punitive measure.

There is no more tit for tat since all countries have removed the PCR requirement for people coming from China. It is simply punishment for hurting the feelings of the sensitive wolf warriors.

Ja <cough> <cough> pan!

No more pre departure test although I think they still do the ridiculous on arrival testing. At least it’s free.

It depends on which border crossing you use. All I can say is that if you take the HKIA ferry to Shekou, your chance of getting checked is 100% :)

Okay, I am so confused now. Apparently after April 5, 2023 they made it NOT a requirement to have a 72-hour pre-departure test leaving China going to Japan, but they do still require a vaccine certificate showing 3 shots?
So, it's either a neg. test or a vaccine certificate from China (same as from USA)?
Does this sound right?

You need a predeparture test only if you don't have 3 shots. Specifically you do NOT need 3 shots to enter, you just need a negative test. (Same as any other country).
After you land, they do a test on arrival to 20% of people. If you test positive, they send you an email and you are supposed to isolate at home.
btw, the wording on the site mentions "China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)". Taiwan is also not counted as China here. Source: flew from Taiwan to Japan before rule change and did not need predeparture test/test on arrival

Thanks.
I was scrambling to find a testing facility here in Beijing, thinking Japan still needed a pre-departure test if flying China-->Japan, as I am due to fly PEK-HND next week.
Luckily I got a 3rd shot before I came out here this time, so don't need the negative test! Phew!

Find an "international hospital" in Beijing instead of Chinese ones. Usually they provide same day service (test in morning, results by late afternoon.

Thanks, that's where I found them; didn't say I couldn't find any, just a real PITA though; the closest one to where I am is about 56km away!
Also: I don't actually need it anymore! :)