S. Korea to remove 'China (Taiwan)' label from e-arrival system after Taiwan's protest

▲ This undated file photo shows Taiwan's national flag. (Yonhap)

S Korea-Taiwan labeling

S. Korea to remove 'China (Taiwan)' label from e-arrival system after Taiwan's protest

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, March 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will remove the "China (Taiwan)" label from its e-arrival system, a foreign ministry official said Tuesday, after Taiwan changed South Korea's name in its immigration system from "Korea" to "Korea (South)" in protest.

Seoul plans to remove the "last point of departure" and "next destination" fields from e-arrival cards, where the island nation had been listed as "China (Taiwan)," the official told reporters. It will remain listed as Taiwan in the country and region field.

"We have reviewed the matter and are moving forward with plans to remove the 'last point of departure' and 'next destination' fields from the electronic arrival card," he said.

The official said the paper arrival cards already do not include those fields, and that the move is part of efforts to streamline the system, improve convenience for visitors from Taiwan, and align the paper and electronic arrival formats.

The Ministry of Justice is handling the matter in line with relevant procedures, the official said.

Seoul's decision came after Taiwan called for a "correction" in its labeling as "China (Taiwan)" on e-arrivals, saying it has changed South Korea's name in its immigration system from "Korea" to "Korea (South)" in a reciprocal measure.

Taipei had warned that it would take further corresponding steps if it sees no positive action from Seoul by the end of this month.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said Tuesday that it has learned Seoul was under an "internal administrative and technical review" to update its e-arrival card system. It said Taiwan will temporarily suspend its own change to the e-entry registration.

Seoul noted that the decision was not made in response to Taiwan's stated March 31 deadline for possible additional measures over the labeling, but was intended to address the issue in a way that promotes practical, unofficial cooperation with Taiwan.

Taiwan is also reportedly expected to take reciprocal steps to restore "Korea" in its foreign residents certificates.

Seoul's decision to remove the two fields will be applied to all countries.

South Korea severed official diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1992, when it established formal relations with mainland China. Since then, the two side have maintained practical ties in an unofficial manner.

China considers Taiwan, self-governed since it broke away from the mainland in 1949, as part of its territory that must be reunified by force if necessary, and it has strongly objected to any country that challenges this stance.

"We maintain necessary communication with China on matters of mutual interest," the Seoul official added.

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