Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "China Must Never Impose Entry Restrictions Based on Non-Quarantine Factors"

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson "Clearly Expresses Regret"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] On the 12th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated regarding China's retaliatory entry restrictions targeting Koreans, "Our side has clearly expressed regret through diplomatic channels and made it clear that entry restrictions based on factors other than COVID-19 prevention should never occur."

At the regular briefing on the same day, Deputy Spokesperson Lim responded this way when asked about China's suspension of visa-free transit for South Korea and Japan.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 10th, China responded to South Korea's strengthened quarantine measures for arrivals from China by suspending the issuance of short-term visas to Korean nationals. The day before, China also decided not to apply the program allowing foreigners transiting through China to stay in transit cities for 3 or 6 days to Korean nationals.

Deputy Spokesperson Lim said, "Our government's past quarantine measures toward China were decisions made based on scientific grounds to protect our citizens," adding, "They should not be interpreted in any other way beyond the scope of protecting our people."

He emphasized, "The government will continue to make its best efforts through diplomatic communication to protect and support our citizens and businesses."