Caution Needed for China's Strengthened Anti-Espionage Law
Must Complete 'Zhusu Dengji' After Arrival Even Without a Visa
China has temporarily included South Korea in its visa exemption list, signaling a new shift in China-Korea relations. On the 1st, the Chinese government announced a temporary visa exemption measure for nine countries, including South Korea. This is the first time China has exempted South Korea from visa requirements since diplomatic relations were established in 1992, bringing the total number of visa-exempt countries to 29.
From the 8th until December 31 of next year, South Koreans visiting China for business, tourism, visiting relatives, or transit purposes can stay visa-free for up to 15 days. The measure applies to nine countries including Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and South Korea. Notably, South Korea is the only Asian country included, adding special significance.
However, visa-free entry does not mean all procedures are simplified. According to the South Korean Embassy’s advisory, clear explanations of the purpose of entry and length of stay are required, and travelers must prepare in advance documents such as return or third-country flight tickets, accommodation reservations, and local contact information.
In particular, compliance with the temporary residence registration system called 'jusuk deunggi' is mandatory. This registration must be completed within 24 hours of arrival in China. Hotel guests have this handled automatically by the hotel, but those staying in private homes or with relatives must register at the local police station. Failure to comply may result in fines.
South Koreans visiting China should be especially cautious about the strengthened Anti-Espionage Law. The revised law, effective since July 2023, includes more detailed enforcement procedures starting this July. Activities such as searching or photographing materials related to China’s national security, photographing military facilities and key government institutions, filming or participating in protests, and unauthorized religious proselytizing are all regulated. A major concern is that the law can be arbitrarily interpreted by Chinese authorities. For example, a South Korean with work experience at Samsung Electronics who was employed at a Chinese semiconductor company was detained on suspicion of violating the Anti-Espionage Law last December and was formally arrested in May this year.
Meaning and Outlook of the Visa Exemption Decision
China’s inclusion of South Korea in the visa exemption list reflects a complex strategic calculation. Economically, China can benefit from revitalizing its tourism industry to achieve its 5% economic growth target. Attracting foreign tourists with purchasing power is essential to revive the tourism sector, which has been stagnant since COVID-19, and South Korea is regarded as an optimal source country due to its geographic proximity and high purchasing power.
Diplomatically, with Donald Trump, who pressured China, approaching a potential second term as U.S. president, China aims to secure diplomatic leverage by improving relations with South Korea. This move gains further attention in light of the upcoming APEC summit scheduled in Gyeongju next November and the possibility of President Xi Jinping visiting South Korea.
The travel industry has responded immediately following the visa exemption announcement. Major travel agency Modetour reported a surge in bookings to China just two days after the announcement. Eastar Jet is offering special one-way fares around 60,000 KRW on five China routes, and Korean Air plans to launch a new Incheon-Fuzhou route in December and resume the Busan-Qingdao route after four years.
South Korea’s passport power is expected to strengthen further. Currently, South Korean passport holders can enter 191 countries visa-free, ranking joint third worldwide. South Korea is closely trailing Singapore (195 countries) in first place and France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain (192 countries) in second place.
Recently, China has shown friendly gestures in various fields, such as resuming the issuance of game licenses for Korean games. This indicates a gradual improvement in bilateral relations that had been strained since the deployment of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense).
However, since this visa exemption measure is unilateral, there is a possibility that China may demand reciprocal visa exemption for Chinese nationals entering South Korea in the future. Currently, Chinese citizens still require visas to enter South Korea, and due to concerns about an increase in illegal stays, allowing visa-free entry for Chinese nationals requires careful consideration.
Experts predict this measure will be a positive signal for improving bilateral relations but advise close monitoring of potential risks such as those posed by the Anti-Espionage Law.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
