Chinese Ambassador to Korea: "I Would Appreciate Mutual Understanding and Support"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] "China and Korea are friendly neighbors with close human exchanges, and it would be appreciated if we understand and support each other."

Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming stated this during a press briefing held on the morning of the 4th at the Chinese Embassy main building in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul. He directly conveyed the Chinese government's position on the Korean government's limited foreign entry ban that began at midnight that day. The Korean government banned all foreigners entering from Hubei Province, the origin of the virus, to prevent the domestic spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).

It is very unusual for a newly appointed ambassador to voluntarily hold a press briefing before the credential presentation ceremony. For a new ambassador to officially carry out activities in the host country, they must submit the original credentials received from their home country's head of state to the host country's head of state. This move is interpreted as evidence of the very serious situation inside China due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.

He said, "The Chinese government is taking comprehensive and strict measures (against the novel coronavirus)" and added, "We are cooperating with the international community with an open, transparent, and responsible attitude."

He also emphasized that the spread of the novel coronavirus will be closely coordinated with the Korean government.

He said, "The Korean government and various sectors are actively supporting the Chinese people," and "The Chinese side expresses deep gratitude for this, and the Chinese people will never forget this warm affection."

Appointed Ambassador Xing Haiming was one of the embassy staff who were assigned to Seoul shortly after the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and China in August 1992. After working in Seoul for three years until 1995, he returned as a counselor in 2003 and served for three years. In 2008, he was assigned to Seoul for the third time as a minister-counselor and worked for three years. This time, he was appointed as the 8th Chinese ambassador in history.

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