Full Flight Due to Korean Evacuees? China Says "Majority of Passengers Are Chinese"

Chinese Foreign Ministry: "Korea, a Friendly Neighbor... Overcoming Difficulties Together"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] Recently, rumors have been circulating online in China that flights from Korea to China have been fully booked as Koreans flee to China to escape the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). In response, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearly stated that "the majority of passengers are Chinese."

According to Global Times and others, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a briefing on the 28th, "After the outbreak of COVID-19, airlines reduced flights, resulting in fully booked flights from Korea to China. However, the majority of passengers coming from Korea to China recently are Chinese nationals residing in Korea."

Earlier, the Communist Party's official newspaper, People's Daily, reported on the 25th that 80% of passengers on flights arriving at Qingdao Airport from Korea were Chinese.

Zhao emphasized, "China and Korea are friendly neighboring countries and are both at a critical moment fighting against COVID-19. China will strengthen information sharing with Korea and provide assistance as much as possible to overcome difficulties together."