Regarding the Chinese authorities' announcement to temporarily suspend the issuance of visas to Japanese nationals, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, It's a measure," he said, emphasizing that it was an equal response to discriminatory measures against China.
The Chinese embassy in Tokyo has temporarily suspended issuing visas to Japanese visitors to China on Wednesday, as the Japanese government tightens border controls on the novel coronavirus for those entering from mainland China. announced.
In response to this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on the 11th, "We responded equally based on the situation where relevant countries took discriminatory measures against China."
“It is a legitimate and reasonable measure to protect the legitimate rights of the people and the environment necessary for normal travel and cooperation between countries,” he said.
Spokesperson Wang did not respond when asked, "Japan does not restrict the issuance of visas for Chinese visitors, and China's measures may lack equality."
He also only said that he had "already answered" the question, "The United States is also taking border measures, but are they not taking equal measures?"
“We have already taken care of those who need to come to China for diplomatic or urgent business reasons,” Wang said. .
Suspension of visa exemption for transit purposes in China
China's immigration authorities said on the 11th that Japanese and Koreans who are transiting to other countries via China will be exempted from visas and will be able to stay for several days from the 11th. Announced.
In addition, for special reasons such as emergencies, temporary visas issued at airports and ports in China will also be suspended.
China's immigration authorities said the measures were taken after some countries imposed discriminatory immigration restrictions on Chinese citizens.
Japanese embassy in China ``lack of equality''
Regarding the announcement that the Chinese embassy in Tokyo has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to Japanese people, the Japanese embassy in China posted on its official Twitter account, However, Japan has not restricted the issuance of visas for Chinese visitors to Japan, and the Chinese side's approach is completely lacking in equality." I asked for
South Korean foreign minister 'very regrettable'
South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin said at a press conference on the 11th, "We have stopped issuing short-term visas to people entering from China based on scientific and objective grounds. Exceptions are made for activities and humanitarian reasons, etc. It is very regrettable that China has taken countermeasures to completely suspend the issuance of short-term visas."
He added, "It is undesirable for these measures to have a negative impact on South Korea-China relations. South Korea will continue to maintain its scientific and objective stance, and will continue to monitor changes in China's infection situation. , We will decide how long to continue this measure."