China's Retaliatory COVID-19 Measures Escalate... South Korea and Japan Also Suspend 'Visa Waiver via China'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] Following the suspension of short-term visa issuance for South Korea and Japan, China has also suspended visa exemptions for South Korean and Japanese nationals transiting through China.

The China Immigration Administration announced on the 11th, "This measure was introduced in response to discriminatory entry restrictions imposed by a few countries on Chinese nationals." This measure is effective immediately.

The Immigration Administration also stated that the issuance of 'arrival visas' (visas issued upon arrival) for South Korean and Japanese nationals will be suspended.

China currently allows transit passengers to stay visa-free for 72 to 144 hours at designated locations such as airports. However, this benefit will no longer be granted to South Korean and Japanese nationals.

The Chinese government announced the day before that it would suspend the issuance of short-term visas for South Korean nationals and 'general visas' for Japanese nationals in response to South Korea and Japan strengthening quarantine measures for arrivals from China. This retaliatory measure was taken after South Korea reinforced quarantine by mandating COVID-19 testing for travelers from China. However, similar measures have not yet been taken against countries such as the United States and European Union (EU) nations, which have also strengthened quarantine measures.

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