Amid observations that Japan's massive hike in visa fees was targeted at Chinese tourists, China has also taken retaliatory measures.

The Chinese Embassy in Japan announced that it will raise visa issuance fees for Japanese citizens starting on the 14th.

Single-entry visa fees will increase about sevenfold from 2,250 yen (approx. 19,700 won) to 16,750 yen (approx. 146,300 won), and multiple-entry visa fees from 7,500 yen (approx. 65,500 won) to 50,250 yen (approx. 439,000 won).

Separately, applicants must pay a 5,000 yen (approx. 43,700 won) fee to the Chinese visa application center.

During a regular briefing held on the 11th, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning explained, "This is a response based on the principle of reciprocity."

The move is intended as a countermeasure following the Japanese government's decision last July to quintuple its entry visa fees from 3,000 yen (approx. 26,200 won) to 15,000 yen (approx. 131,000 won), and multiple-entry visa fees from 6,000 yen (approx. 52,400 won) to 30,000 yen (approx. 262,100 won).

South Korea, Taiwan, the United States, and other countries are able to stay in Japan visa-free for up to 90 days under mutual visa exemptions, leading to interpretations that Japan's visa fee hike was ultimately aimed at Chinese tourists, who must have a visa to visit Japan.

The Chinese government currently implements an exemption measure allowing Japanese citizens to enter without a visa for up to 30 days for short-term stays.

However, if the exemption period expires on December 31 of this year and is not extended, the impact of the hike in visa fees for Japanese citizens is expected to grow.

(Photo: Yonhap News)