"China Blocks Expansion of South Korea Entry Ban... 'Related Countries Must Follow WHO Recommendations'" (Comprehensive)

New Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming: "Won't Overrate Korea's Measures"
On COVID-19 Spread: "Chinese Government Took Strong and Effective Actions to Contain"
Unusual Official Move Five Days After Appointment... Ambassador Xing: "Close Neighbors Should Help Each Other, Deep Gratitude for Korea's Support"

Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Korea, Xing Haiming, is holding a press conference related to the novel coronavirus on the 4th at the main building of the Chinese Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] "The Chinese government is taking strong and effective measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia). We hope scientific decisions will be made based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO)."

On the morning of the 4th, Xing Haiming, the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Korea, conveyed a position essentially asking the Korean government to refrain from expanding comprehensive entry bans through a press briefing held at the main building of the Chinese Embassy in Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. This was a direct communication of the Chinese government's stance on the Korean government's limited foreigner entry ban measures that began at midnight that day. The Korean government banned entry of all foreigners coming from Hubei Province, the virus's origin, to prevent the domestic spread of the novel coronavirus.

Ambassador Xing explained, "The Chinese government is cooperating transparently and internationally," adding, "I exchanged opinions with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), and we have been evaluated as a model of transparent international cooperation." While he declined to comment directly on the recent measures taken by Korea, he added, "Since WHO is the most authoritative international organization in the world, I think it would be appropriate to act based on WHO recommendations."

Ambassador Xing's remarks come at a time when opinions for expanding entry bans are emerging not only from opposition parties but also within the ruling party, which is expected to intensify political controversy both inside and outside the political sphere. Earlier that day, WHO Director-General Ghebreyesus reiterated on the 3rd (local time) that there is no need to ban travel and trade to suppress the novel coronavirus.

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 engage in 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.

Regarding this, he emphasized, "The Chinese government is taking this novel coronavirus situation very seriously," adding, "We are taking measures stronger than international norms." He continued, "Because China is taking strong and effective measures, the epidemic situation in other countries is relatively favorable," and added, "China has already established a system capable of overcoming this situation."

Ambassador Xing said, "The Chinese government is taking comprehensive and strict measures," and added, "Since the two countries are friendly neighbors with close human exchanges, it would be appreciated if we could understand and support each other." Furthermore, he said, "The Korean government and various sectors are actively supporting the Chinese people," and "China expresses deep gratitude for this, and the Chinese people will never forget this warm affection."

Meanwhile, President Moon Jae-in urged on the same day regarding the novel coronavirus situation, "We must hasten to prepare countermeasures in various fields to minimize the shock and damage to our economy, preparing for the worst-case scenario of prolonged crisis."

President Moon presided over a State Council meeting on novel coronavirus response at the Blue House and said, "Difficulties in our export and tourism industries are becoming a reality." He added, "Although it is a regrettable situation, we must endure and overcome it," and "The higher the uncertainty, the more important it is to strengthen communication with the field. We must strengthen communication with regions, industries, and companies and devise active support measures."

President Moon said, "To minimize the domestic inflow of infectious diseases, we have strengthened immigration control and started phased entry restrictions," adding, "We are building a meticulous quarantine network keeping in mind all possible virus transmission routes and are making every effort to prevent community spread." He reiterated, "The government will not let down its guard and will tackle the end of the novel coronavirus with an extraordinary determination not to allow any moment of negligence or any gap."

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