Jang Ha-sung "Specific Discussions Underway on Quarantine-Free Movement for Korean and Chinese Businesspeople"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Jang Ha-sung, the Ambassador of South Korea to China, stated that the governments of both countries have reached a principled agreement and are continuing detailed discussions to facilitate smooth movement of businesspeople between South Korea and China.

On the 20th, Ambassador Jang said at a press briefing held in Beijing, "The issue of essential business personnel movement between South Korea and China has been discussed in the dialogues between the two heads of state, the ASEAN+3 meetings, and the deputy foreign ministers' talks between the two countries," adding, "Both countries have already reached a principled agreement to simplify entry procedures for mutually recognized businesspeople."

He continued, "There are ongoing specific discussions and consultations on measures to exempt self or facility quarantine if a negative COVID-19 test result is presented. We expect concrete results soon."

Ambassador Jang pointed out that a concerning issue is that unlike large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may face relatively more difficulties with the simplified entry procedures for businesspeople, and efforts are being made to address this. He also said, "We intend to specify the relevant local governments in advance so that the agreed measures can be implemented without issues," adding, "China has shown considerable sympathy regarding the problems we are experiencing."

Marking his first anniversary in office, Ambassador Jang expressed regret over the temporary suspension of plans to expand exchanges between South Korea and China this year due to the sudden spread of COVID-19.

He explained, "We had prepared various plans to create a turning point in South Korea-China relations this year, but it is regrettable that about five months have just passed due to COVID-19. The fortunate point is that the expanded exchanges with local governments last year have significantly helped in resolving the current COVID-19 situation."

In diplomatic circles, it is anticipated that once the discussions on simplifying entry procedures for businesspeople to guarantee economic activities between South Korea and China are concluded, efforts will also proceed to resolve exchange issues for ordinary residents holding residence permits.

A diplomatic official said, "The government has not yet started discussions regarding the movement of citizens other than businesspeople between the two countries, but once the businesspeople issue is resolved, matters concerning general entrants will also be discussed," adding, "However, the air routes must open first, and we have not received any separate reports from the Chinese side regarding the status of South Korea-China air routes after May, so we need to monitor the situation." He further stated, "Once the Two Sessions (Lianghui) are held in China and COVID-19 stabilization is officially confirmed, discussions about air routes between the two countries will also take place."

Meanwhile, regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea, it is reported that both sides still maintain the joint position that it will take place in the first half of the year. A diplomatic source said, "Both official and unofficial channels between South Korea and China have conveyed that there is no change in the existing position regarding President Xi's visit," adding, "Rather, there are talks about cooperating more closely to make up for the lost time between South Korea and China after COVID-19."

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