In a statement released on Tuesday, Ecuador’s Foreign Affairs Ministry explained that many of the Chinese nationals arriving have either remained in the country irregularly or departed using irregular routes to other destinations in the region.
The increase in migration includes cases of Chinese nationals crossing into the United States illegally after traveling north through Latin America, reportedly driven by economic opportunities in the U.S. amid economic challenges in China.
When questioned about Ecuador’s decision to potentially halt the visa agreement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian acknowledged the agreement’s positive role in promoting travel and cooperation across borders in various fields. He also emphasized China’s firm stance against human smuggling in any form.