China resumed mandatory COVID-19 tests for arrivals from South Korea only Wednesday in response to Seoul's strengthened curbs against travelers from China.
In a notice sent Tuesday to airlines operating between the two countries, Chinese aviation authorities said all passengers coming from South Korea will receive PCR tests on arrival from February 2, according to the officials and sources. Those who test positive are required to be quarantined or hospitalized.
Last month, Beijing also suspended issuance of transit and short-term visas for South Korean nationals in response to Seoul's toughened COVID-19 measures against travelers from China.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry criticized the China's actions, stating that it should not impose restrictions on foreigners traveling to China for reasons other than those needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In late December 2022, Seoul stopped the issuance of short-term visas to Chinese citizens until February 2023 and began to require travelers from China to undergo COVID-19 testing before and after arriving in South Korea.
The measures come as Beijing decided to ease its "zero tolerance" policy toward the virus after mass protests in China, which led to a new massive outbreak in the country.
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