The Chinese Embassies of South Korea and Japan announced yesterday that in response to the measures, they stopped issuing business, tourism, health and general purpose visas to their citizens. In a new statement from China’s National Immigration Administration, it was reported that “in response to discriminatory entry restriction measures against Chinese citizens”, port visas issued to air and shipping personnel and the right to visa-free transit for 72 to 144 hours were suspended.
REACTION FROM SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN
The spokesperson of the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that they are “saddened” by China’s decision, “The government’s decision to strengthen quarantine measures is based on scientific and objective reasons. We will once again convey the position of our government by maintaining close communication with the Chinese side.” had used the words.
The Japanese Embassy in China, on the other hand, criticizes that the visa suspension measure is “not in accordance with the principle of reciprocity”.
Arguing that the said measures are for epidemic control purposes and that the allegations of discrimination are not true, the embassy statement said, “China’s suspension of visas for political reasons has nothing to do with the Kovid-19 outbreak. We protest this situation and demand that China withdraw the measure.” assessment was included.
The statement also requested the Beijing administration to share more open data on the number of infections and the epidemic picture.
South Korea and Japan were among the countries that announced that they would take precautions for passengers coming from China due to the concern of cross-border expansion after China announced that it would open its borders from January 8th.
South Korea has stopped issuing short-stay visas to Chinese citizens until January 31, while requiring travelers from China to take PCR tests before travel and on arrival.
FLIGHTS ARE ALSO SUSPENDED
The government also suspended flights to the cities of Busan, Daegu and Jeju, limiting flights between South Korea and China only to Incheon Airport in the capital, Seoul.
Japan also imposed a test requirement on Chinese passengers, and suspended flights to some cities.
After many countries announced their measures for travelers from China and its regions, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning argued that some of the measures were “disproportionate” and “unacceptable” and were used for political and discriminatory purposes. We’ll take it.” had used the words. (AA)