"An Eye for an Eye" China Suspends Visa Issuance in Response to Strengthened COVID-19 Quarantine Measures

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] China has completely suspended the issuance of short-term visas for Chinese travel to Korean nationals. This is interpreted as a retaliatory measure following the South Korean government's confirmation of negative COVID-19 test results for travelers from China, as well as restrictions on the issuance of short-term visas to Korea and additional flights.

The Chinese Embassy in Korea announced on the 10th through its official WeChat account, a Chinese local social networking service (SNS), that "According to domestic Chinese directives, from today, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Korea will suspend the issuance of short-term visas for Korean nationals visiting China for visits, commercial trade, tourism, medical treatment, and general personal reasons." It further explained, "This matter will be adjusted depending on the cancellation of Korea's discriminatory entry restrictions against China."

As Chinese quarantine authorities shifted from 'Zero COVID' to 'With COVID' last month, COVID-19 cases have surged within China. Accordingly, the South Korean government has mandated COVID-19 testing before and after entry for arrivals from China and has also restricted the issuance of short-term visas to Korea and additional flights. Other countries such as Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden have also mandated COVID-19 testing for travelers from China.

New Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with South Korea's quarantine measures during his first phone call with Foreign Minister Park Jin the day before. Minister Qin expressed concerns about South Korea's restrictions on arrivals from China and requested that an objective and scientific attitude be maintained. Regarding this, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-seok explained at a regular briefing, "Regarding China's measures, consultations and communications have been conducted through diplomatic channels between the two countries," and added, "We will convey our position once again to the Chinese side and maintain close communication."

The related news quickly topped the popular search news on the Chinese portal site Baidu (as of 2:30 a.m. local time), attracting attention among Chinese netizens as well. Chinese netizens responded with comments such as "An eye for an eye," "If the human rights of Chinese tourists are violated, a strong response is necessary," and "Use Korea as a testing ground to pressure Japan and the United States."

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