'Visa-free Entry for Chinese Nationals' Becomes a Political Hot Topic... Ruling Party Says 'Created by Yoon,' Opposition Calls for Full Review

[Financial News] The ruling and opposition parties clashed over the Visa-free Entry for Chinese Nationals policy. The People Power Party called for a comprehensive review, citing criminal acts by Chinese nationals since the policy's inception. In response, the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) argued that it was a system created by Yoon Suk Yeol and the People Power Party. Issues such as Criminal Incidents Targeting Koreans in Cambodia, the US-China Trade Dispute, and the Three Major Shopping Restrictions for Chinese Nationals have all contributed to making 'anti-China' sentiment a major political issue.
Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, held a policy meeting on the 17th at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. He stated, "On the 15th, three Chinese nationals who entered visa-free were reported to have stolen jewelry from a gold shop in downtown Jeju and were barely apprehended at Jeju International Airport." He added, "On the very first day of the visa-free entry policy, September 29, six Chinese nationals who entered Incheon Port by cruise ship disappeared and their whereabouts remain unknown nearly three weeks later."
He noted, "Concerns that were anticipated have materialized since the early days of the visa-free entry policy, increasing public anxiety." He emphasized, "If left unaddressed, the negative impact from a decline in domestic tourists could outweigh the benefits of attracting Chinese tourists, as voiced by the travel industry."
Song further stated, "In principle, allowing visa-free entry is a benefit granted by a sovereign nation, not a form of discrimination." He stressed, "Our citizens come first. The government has a duty to create and implement policies that ensure public safety."
In contrast, the DPK countered by urging that the issue should not be used as a tool for political strife.
At the Supreme Council meeting, Kim Byung-kee, floor leader of the DPK, remarked, "The visa-free entry system for Chinese nationals was established when Yoon Suk Yeol and the People Power Party were the ruling party." He criticized, "Now that their stance has changed, they are quick to condemn. If they want to argue, they should do so internally instead of making it a public issue. They are only fueling public anxiety without realizing they are undermining themselves."
He continued, "Diplomacy, security, and the economy should all be handled with a cool-headed focus on national interests, but everything is being viewed through the lens of political conflict." He asserted, "They are using every issue as a tool for political strife and agitation to cover up their own faults and incompetence."
Kim Byung-kee added, "They may win the support of the far-right, but national interests are being shaken, diplomacy is destabilized, and the lives of citizens are suffering." He concluded, "If their arguments lack logic, they should reflect on themselves instead of continually exploiting issues for political gain."
haeram@fnnews.com Lee Hae-ram Reporter