China deported 30 South Korean nationals, report says


By Elizabeth Shim | Jan. 25, 2017 at 9:51 PM Follow @upi




China deported a group of South Koreans in December, including Christian missionaries and other long-term residents, according to a South Korean television network. (UPI Photo/Stephen Shaver) | License Photo


Jan. 25 (UPI) -- More than 30 South Korean nationals were deported in December from northeast China, a possible sign Beijing is expanding upon its retaliatory policies against Seoul for a joint decision to deploy a U.S. missile defense system on the peninsula.

The deported group of South Korean citizens, who were all documented or residing legally in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in northeastern Jilin Province, include Christian missionaries and other long-term residents, South Korean television network KBS reported Thursday, local time.


Some of the deportees had only been residing in China for a short period of time, while others had been living in the country for as many as 10 years, when they were suddenly notified by the Chinese government their visas or residence permits could not be renewed.


Some of the South Koreans were known to have been involved in assisting North Korean defectors.


A local resident near the China-North Korea border told KBS "most of the South Koreans had been active as missionaries, but new visa restrictions by Chinese authorities have resulted in refusals to renew their visas."


The group was given two weeks' notice prior to deportation. Some of the people were unable to liquidate their assets before returning home.


Other sources who spoke to South Korean television network SBS said the deportees were given a one-week notice.


Some of the South Koreans were told they were being deported for their religious activities, and their work as missionaries were found in violation of local law.


A South Korean diplomatic source told KBS there are frequent cases where visas are not extended in other parts of China, including Shanghai and Guangzhou, but it is unprecedented that as many as 30 people are deported simultaneously.

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