Covid-19 in China: After South Korea, China now imposes restrictions on Japan, ban on citizens' visas

Chinese embassies have stopped issuing new visas for South Korean and Japanese citizens amid increasing cases of corona in China. Let us tell you that recently some countries have imposed restrictions on travelers from China to prevent Covid-19, including Japan and South Korea. Which China has taken this step in response to these sanctions.

China's actions against South Korea and Japan

Indeed, the Chinese embassies in Tokyo and Seoul have announced the suspension in brief online notices. The Seoul notice, posted on the embassy's WeChat social media account, said the ban would remain in place until South Korea lifted discriminatory entry measures against China. The announcement covers tourism, trade, and some other visa restrictions.

Many countries including Europe, Asia have imposed sanctions on China

China's foreign ministry last week threatened retaliation against countries that demanded new virus tests for travelers arriving from China. At least 10 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia have taken such steps recently, with officials expressing concern about a lack of information about the outbreak in China and the potential for new variants to emerge.

South Korea took steps against China

South Korea also stopped issuing most short-term visas at its consulates in China for January, except for government activities, essential business, and humanitarian reasons. However, Japan has not taken any such step. At the same time, the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo only said that the issuance of visas has been suspended. This announcement applies to new applicants only. In which there is nothing about people currently holding visas.

What did Japan and South Korea say?

At the same time, Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi told a press conference in Argentina that Japan has opposed the move through diplomatic channels. He said that it is very regrettable that China has stopped issuing visas. In addition, the South Korean Foreign Ministry has said in a statement that our government's move to strengthen anti-virus measures on travelers arriving from China is based on scientific and strong evidence and we have already held talks with the Chinese side.

Corona infection is spreading rapidly in China

Earlier, a Japanese Foreign Ministry official had said that it would be regrettable if sanctions were imposed. Blocking visas for South Korean or Japanese businessmen could delay business activity and potential new investment after China abruptly lifted anti-virus controls last month. Earlier business groups warned that global companies were shifting investment plans away from China because it was too difficult for foreign executives to travel under pandemic control.

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