Spread of Novel Coronavirus, Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Closely Communicating with China"

Chinese President Xi Jinping's Visit to South Korea "Still Being Coordinated"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the Chinese government has expressed its willingness to actively cooperate regarding the spreading novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).

On the 4th, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kim In-cheol stated at a regular briefing that, in relation to the media briefing by newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming earlier that morning, "We have been maintaining close communication between Korea and China to properly manage the situation and prevent its spread, and we plan to continue doing so."

Ambassador Xing, regarding the Korean government's limited foreign entry ban measures, said, "I will not evaluate it much," but added, "The global and scientific basis is the World Health Organization (WHO), and I think we should follow that."

Spokesperson Kim also addressed public opinion calling for entry bans on foreigners who have visited regions other than Hubei Province, explaining, "We will continuously review the issue of adjusting travel alerts while closely monitoring the specific situation."

Meanwhile, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official commented on Ambassador Xing's media briefing, emphasizing that the primary criterion is safety, stating, "The government must have prioritized how to prevent the spread." The official also added, "Not everyone may share the same standards regarding what is considered scientific."

Regarding support for Korean residents remaining in Wuhan, the official said, "(The consulate is) reviewing (the operation of clinics, etc.), and Seoul is also looking into possible methods or support." The official noted that out of the previously allocated $5 million in aid to China, $300,000 has currently been provided in the form of protective suit sets and other supplies.

Regarding the timing of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Korea, the official stated that both countries have been continuously coordinating, and denied claims that the visit was postponed due to the timing not being set, saying, "Coordination is ongoing."

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