China takes revenge against airport tests: “Stop visas”
Here is the retaliation. China opens its borders but, at the same time, slams the door on some countries that have introduced entry restrictions for anyone arriving from its territory. A new insidious chapter of tensions between Beijing and various countries, not only the United States or Western ones but indeed also with its Asian neighbors who, however, are increasingly aligned in foreign policy with Washington and NATO and are perceived as enemies by Xi Jinping. But retaliation also poses risks for European countries and Italy.
The aChinese authorities have in fact stopped issuing short-term visas to South Korean and Japanese citizens, in the first reaction against the entry restrictions imposed by Covid on arrivals from China. “Visas for business, tourism, medical treatment, transit and general private business will be suspended for i
US media: satellite photos show queues at crematoria in China
Lines of people outside the crematoria waiting to enter with their loved ones killed by Covid. These are the shocking satellite images published exclusively by the Washington Post. The photos cover six major cities – including Beijing, Nanjing and Chengdu – and were captured in early and late December. The difference between the two moments is evident. In the image taken on December 24, for example, a new parking lot has appeared in one of the capital’s crematoria to cope with the influx of customers.
South Korean citizens starting today,” the Chinese embassy in Seoul said in a statement. The measures will be “adequate” if South Korea lifts its “discriminatory” restrictions on entry into China, the embassy added.
The suspension of visas, also notified to travel agencies in Japan, will remain in force “until the discriminatory entry restrictions against China are abolished”. Beijing has criticized the recent restrictions and checks on travelers from China, after some countries requested tests after the new wave of infections that hit the Asian giant after the government decided to dismantle its zero strategy Covid.
On Jan. 2, South Korea went one step further, suspending short-term visa applications from its consulates in China until the end of the month. It also required people traveling from China to undergo PCR testing within 24 hours of arrival and to remain in isolation until negative results are received.
The move of China follows the phone call between the new foreign minister Qin Gang and his South Korean counterpart Park Jin, during which Qin “expressed concern” about the restrictions and urged Seoul to adopt an “objective and scientific” approach, according to a statement from China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin echoed China’s earlier language, saying the country “resolutely opposes” the “discriminatory” entry restrictions imposed on Chinese travelers and “will take proportionate countermeasures.”
Subscribe to the newsletter
