China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a press conference on foreign policy and external relations during the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, China, March 8. EPA-Yonhap
China has put Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s planned visit to Korea on hold, raising concerns over recent changes to Korea’s electronic arrival card system, according to local media reports.
Reports said Seoul and Beijing had been coordinating Wang’s visit since earlier this year, but the Chinese side objected afterSeoul removed the label “China (Taiwan)”from the departure and destination section of the electronic entry form last month.
The issue emerged after the Korean government announced on March 31 that it would eliminate the departure and destination selection field altogether from the electronic arrival card, following complaints from Taiwan over the earlier wording.
The revision applies to all travelers entering Korea, as part of a broader adjustment to the electronic reporting system.
China reacted strongly to the change.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on April 14 that Taiwan is part of China and that describing it as “China (Taiwan)” is entirely natural, signaling Beijing’s dissatisfaction with Seoul’s move and reiterating its “one China” principle.
Seoul had sought Wang’s visit as part of broader diplomatic efforts ahead of a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Korean Peninsula issues could be discussed.
The government had been coordinating the visit following meetings between President Lee Jae Myung and Xi in November last year and January this year, viewing it as a key opportunity for coordination before the summit.
Wang’s recent trip to Pyongyang added to Seoul’s interest in arranging the visit.
Source: Korea Times News
