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Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming enters the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul on Feb. 26. (Yonhap News)

Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming asked for “understanding” and promised to “work toward a solution” on Feb. 26 on the quarantine of South Koreans in regions of China due to concerns over the novel coronavirus [COVID-19], which he said was “not intended to target South Koreans [exclusively].”

Meeting with reporters while arriving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) that afternoon for discussions with the ministry, Xing said the Chinese government “has not imposed restriction measures on South Korean nationals.”

“The measures taken by certain local governments were not intended to target South Koreans,” he said, adding that “many Chinese nationals” were also among those placed under quarantine and pleading for “consideration and understanding.” When asked whether the local governments’ quarantine measures might be withdrawn, Xing said he would “consult on the situation and work to ensure that it is handled appropriately.”

“The virus is a common enemy to the world, and the countries of the world will need to cooperate to eradicate the virus,” he stressed.

“China will continue cooperating with South Korea to eliminate the virus,” he added.

While at MOFA, Xing met with Assistant Deputy Minister Kim Geon for around 30 minutes. Kim reportedly requested facts concerning the recent successive quarantining of South Koreans in Weihai, Shandong Province; Shenyang, Liaoning Province; and Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, and requested that China refrain from an “excessive” response. After his meeting with Kim, Xing addressed reporters on China’s decision to quarantine South Koreans.

“I’m not actually sure myself, but we fully understand what South Korea is hoping for. We will work to communicate effectively so that the corresponding issue is effectively resolved,” he said.

Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koji Tomita leaves the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Feb. 26. (Yonhap News)

The same afternoon, First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Se-young summoned Japanese Ambassador Koji Tomita to discuss Japan’s entry restrictions on South Korean nationals in connection with COVID-19. The Japanese government had decided earlier that day to refuse entry to foreign nationals who have recently been in Daegu and/or Cheongdo County, North Gyeongsang Province. Cho reportedly explained to the Japanese side about the South Korean government’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and stressed that “excessive” entry measures should not be imposed on South Koreans.

By Kim So-youn, staff reporters

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