[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] As the South Korean government strengthened quarantine measures by mandating COVID-19 testing for travelers from China, China retaliated by completely suspending the issuance of short-term visas for South Korean nationals traveling to China.
The Embassy of China in Korea announced on the 10th via its official WeChat social media account that "in accordance with domestic Chinese directives, from today, the Embassy of China in Korea and the Consulates General will suspend the issuance of short-term visas for South Korean nationals visiting China for purposes including visits, commercial trade, tourism, medical treatment, and general personal reasons." They further explained, "This measure will be adjusted depending on the cancellation of South Korea's discriminatory entry restrictions against China."
After Chinese health authorities shifted from a 'zero COVID' policy to a 'with COVID' approach last month, COVID-19 cases have surged within China. Accordingly, the South Korean government mandated COVID-19 testing before and after entry for travelers arriving from China. The issuance of short-term visas and additional flights from China to South Korea have also been restricted. Other countries such as Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden have also mandated COVID-19 testing for travelers from China.
China immediately protested. The Chinese government warned that it would take reciprocal measures in response to the strengthened quarantine measures imposed by countries including South Korea, the United States, and Japan on travelers from China. Qin Gang, the newly appointed Chinese Foreign Minister, expressed concern over South Korea's enhanced quarantine measures for travelers from China during his first phone call with Foreign Minister Park Jin the previous day. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Minister Park explained to Minister Qin that South Korea's measures were based on scientific evidence.
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