'9 People Struggle' Juruhan Korean Consulate Jurisdiction Changed... Ministry of Foreign Affairs Puts Full Effort into Supporting 150 Korean Residents

Strengthening Communication with the Central and Local Governments of China

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) rapidly spreads within China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is making every effort to provide consular assistance, including medical supplies support, to Korean residents. In particular, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Wuhan is focusing on assisting Korean residents remaining in Wuhan City, Hubei Province?the epicenter of the novel coronavirus?and nearby areas, following the lockdown imposed by the Chinese government on the Wuhan region.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 4th, nine staff members, including the Deputy Consul General, remain at the Consulate General in Wuhan to support Korean residents. The consulate recently changed its jurisdiction to focus on Wuhan City, Hubei Province. Previously, the consulate’s jurisdiction included Hubei Province as well as Hunan Province, Jiangxi Province, and Henan Province. Until the Chinese government lifts control over the Wuhan area, Hunan Province will be managed by the Consulate General in Guangzhou, while Jiangxi Province and Henan Province will be handled by the Consulate General in Shanghai and the Consulate General in Qingdao, respectively.

It is known that about 150 Korean residents currently remain in Wuhan City. Including nearby areas, the estimated number is around 300. The Consulate General in Wuhan stated, “Although visa services are currently suspended, visa-related work for Hubei Province is being handled by the Wuhan Consulate General,” adding, “The jurisdiction change will continue until the control over the Wuhan area is lifted.”

Accordingly, the Consulate General in Wuhan is expected to focus consular assistance on Korean residents in Hubei Province. Following the deployment of two charter flights, the consulate is contacting Korean residents remaining in Wuhan City and Hubei Province via WeChat and email to provide emergency supplies such as masks. Deputy Consul General Lee Kwang-ho of the Wuhan Consulate General said, “Masks and thermometers will be prioritized for those in need,” and added, “We are also considering support measures in cooperation with Korean associations for other necessary supplies.”

Earlier, Premier Li Keqiang ordered strong measures in response to the panic buying of medical supplies, including masks and disinfectants, as well as daily necessities amid fears of the novel coronavirus spread. He urged that medical supplies be supplied first to key areas to focus on blocking the virus. The Korean government is also monitoring the situation in China and plans to consider additional support for other supplies.

A diplomatic source in China said, “There are about 150 Korean residents in Wuhan,” and explained, “We plan to deliver relief supplies and investigate what items are needed. As far as we know, none of the residents have expressed an immediate intention to return to Korea.”

Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to strengthen communication with the Chinese central and local governments through the embassy and consulates general. Although flight times were delayed compared to the original plan, it was reported that the Chinese side was more cooperative than expected during the recent repatriation of 701 Korean residents using two charter flights. Minister Kang Kyung-wha repeatedly emphasized during a joint briefing with related ministries on the 2nd that “the two governments are communicating closely.”

A source said, “Since this is a novel virus, we believe it is necessary to prepare for the possibility of a prolonged situation,” and added, “Companies also plan to provide active support.” The source continued, “Although there are some shortcomings in information provision from local governments, communication is judged to be smooth,” and added, “If Korean patients occur in China, we will actively request cooperation not only from the embassy but also at the consulate general level.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.