China Reimposes Entry Ban Due to COVID Resurgence... Affects UK, Philippines, Bangladesh

Wang Wenbin, Spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] As the scale of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infections rapidly increases worldwide, China has started to block foreign entries again.

According to People’s Daily and others on the 5th, the Chinese Embassy in the UK announced the day before that foreigners who are not Chinese nationals are temporarily prohibited from entering China from the UK. The embassy stated that this is a "temporary measure taken inevitably in response to COVID-19."

The UK reported 25,177 new COVID-19 cases and 492 deaths the day before. The cumulative confirmed cases have exceeded 1 million, and deaths have reached about 47,000.

Due to the recent surge, a second lockdown was imposed in England, UK, and from the 5th, non-essential businesses such as pubs and restaurants were closed for four weeks. Entry of foreigners holding valid visas or long-term residence permits (residence cards), except for diplomatic or official visas, was also banned. Foreigners who need to visit China urgently can apply for visas at the Chinese embassy or consulate.

The Chinese embassies in the Philippines and Bangladesh also announced the same foreign entry ban measures on the same day.

China’s entry ban may expand to countries other than these three. China had blocked foreigners with valid visas and residence permits from entering at the end of March but resumed visa issuance as the COVID-19 situation improved.

Chinese authorities stated that this measure is an unavoidable response to the current COVID-19 situation.

Wang Wenbin (汪文斌), spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the day regarding this measure, "The Chinese missions in the relevant countries have clearly explained this measure," and "This is a temporary measure in response to the COVID-19 situation."

He added, "China adjusts the entry methods for China according to the situation in various countries," and "This is a reasonable measure that complies with international practices."

Spokesperson Wang further said, "If there is mutual trust, everyone can understand," and "Chinese overseas missions will appropriately issue related notices according to the COVID-19 situation in the relevant countries."

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