Chinese Foreign Ministry: "No Discrimination in Quarantine Measures Between Foreigners and Chinese"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Amid criticism that China is imposing excessive entry restrictions to block the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), on the 2nd, China emphasized that it is implementing quarantine measures without discrimination against foreigners and Chinese nationals.

According to Global Times on the 2nd, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing that "we fully consider the reasonable concerns of the parties involved and will ensure what is necessary."

Guangdong Province and Nanjing City in Jiangsu Province have started quarantining all passengers arriving from South Korea in designated hotels for 14 days, regardless of whether they have a fever. Many areas, including Beijing, require home quarantine.

Spokesperson Zhao explained, "We hope that those coming to China from countries with severe COVID-19 situations will fully understand and actively cooperate with China's quarantine measures. This is to effectively prevent risks and protect their own and others' health."

Regarding local governments' home or facility quarantine measures, he stated, "They comply with Chinese law and are necessary for epidemic prevention work, effectively blocking cross-border transmission, which benefits both China and foreign countries."

Zhao added, "China is closely monitoring the global spread of COVID-19. We are working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), maintaining close communication with relevant countries, sharing epidemic prevention experiences, and jointly safeguarding regional and global public health security."

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