China Responds to Criticism of 'Restrictions Including Diplomats'... "No Exceptions for Infection"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] China has rebutted criticism over its recommendation to restrain diplomatic personnel movements related to COVID-19 prevention measures, stating that there are no exceptions to COVID-19 infections.

Hua Chunying, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to criticisms that the Chinese government's prevention measures for foreigners are excessive during a regular briefing on the 3rd, after being asked for commentary by some Western media.

Spokesperson Hua said, "China currently has the mission to prevent external importation and internal resurgence of COVID-19," adding, "In a situation where COVID-19 is spreading worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) and experts recommend refraining from travel to protect public health safety and individual safety."

She continued, "In the face of infectious diseases, all humans are equal without exception," and pointed out, "Diplomats are granted immunity privileges, but the virus does not grant immunity to diplomats."

She added, "To my knowledge, there have been confirmed cases among diplomats of foreign missions recently returned to China," and "Among 84 diplomatic delegations returned to China in the past week, 66% were close contacts."

Spokesperson Hua also addressed criticisms that strengthening measures against foreigners is excessive given that most overseas arrivals are Chinese nationals, stating, "The recent outbound import restriction measures implemented successively by Chinese authorities and the Beijing municipal government may cause inconvenience to foreigners and diplomatic missions, but these are comprehensive prevention measures," and emphasized, "Accordingly, we have recommended refraining from diplomatic personnel movements and returns to Beijing for the time being."

She asserted, "This measure is purely for epidemic prevention," and "There is no need for excessive interpretation."

Furthermore, she added, "The policies of the Chinese government and local governments apply equally to both Chinese nationals and foreigners," and "They are not applied more strictly or leniently just because someone is a foreigner."

Earlier, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent official letters to various countries requesting that diplomatic personnel movements be postponed until the 15th of next month to prevent the spread of COVID-19, effectively asking that no new diplomats be assigned to Chinese missions during this period.

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