Breaking News! Chinese Embassy Halts Issuance of Visas to Japan for Travel to China

This afternoon (January 10), the Chinese Embassy notified Japanese travel agencies to suspend processing tourist visa applications for travel to China。

Ironically, just yesterday, on January 9, the Japanese Embassy in China and the Shanghai Consulate had resumed accepting and issuing tourist visas for travel to Japan。

China’s sudden decision to suspend Japanese tourist visas appears to be primarily driven by two factors：1. Japan’s entry restrictions targeting Chinese nationals；2. Discriminatory actions by South Korea against Chinese travelers. While countering South Korea by halting all visa issuance for South Korean citizens traveling to China, China also decided to pause tourist visa services for Japan。

Reports indicate that Chinese travelers entering South Korea are required to wear yellow tags, pay 80,000 KRW for nucleic acid tests, and sleep on the floor with no chairs or beds provided. Despite such poor treatment, the week-long quarantine reportedly costs as much as 7,000 RMB. Compared to Japan’s free quarantine and testing, South Korea’s measures seem excessively harsh！

Now, let’s look at Thailand. When the first group of Chinese tourists arrived, the Vice President, along with the Ministers of Tourism and Transport, personally welcomed them at the airport with gifts. The welcoming banner in Thailand fosters a sense of closeness. Compare this warm reception to the behavior of some other Asian countries—it truly makes one wonder: "Though born of the same root, why should we rush to harm each other?"

Regarding the suspension of Japan-to-China tourist visa applications, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated：