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China, which said it would not grant short-term visas to Koreans, took additional retaliatory measures today (the 11th).

China has allowed foreigners going to other countries via Chinese cities to stay for a certain period of time without a visa, but it will not give that benefit to Korea in the future.

Along with us, Japan was also included in the target.



The first news today will be delivered by Correspondent Jung Young-tae from Beijing.



<Reporter> The



Chinese Immigration Administration announced that it would suspend transit visa exemption and issuance of visas on arrival to Korean and Japanese nationals.



Like the short-term visa suspension announcement, it was implemented immediately without prior notice, and it was made clear that it was a retaliatory response by stating that it was "according to the implementation of discriminatory entry restrictions by some countries."



The suspended transit visa exemption system is a system that allows you to travel to other countries after sightseeing within China for up to 72 hours or 144 hours, depending on the region.



A visa on arrival is a visa that can be applied for upon arrival at an airport or port for humanitarian or urgent reasons, but this benefit is to be suspended for Korea and Japan.



The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in the position that it is a legitimate measure in response to some countries that have restricted entry from China day after day.



[Wang Wenbin/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson: It is just and reasonable to protect the rights and interests of the Chinese people and to protect the normal exchange and cooperation environment between countries.]



President Yoon Seok-yeol said at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs business briefing that our measures to strengthen quarantine are "to protect our people, not a matter of diplomacy or trade."



[President Yoon Seok-yeol: If an epidemic broke out somewhere and we accepted a large number of people there, not only would the public health of our country collapse.]



He continued, "The immigration issue is judged only on scientific grounds." I hope the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will explain to the Chinese side so that there is no reason to continue the uncomfortable relationship."



The Japanese government also today said it was extremely sorry for China's retaliatory measures and demanded that it be withdrawn.



(Video coverage: Choi Deok-hyun, video editing: Choi Eun-jin)