This undated photo shows Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. (PHOTO / FMPRC.GOV.CN)

BEIJING - Temporary suspension of entry into China for foreign nationals in relevant countries is reasonable and consistent with international customary practices due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Thursday.

The notices have clearly stated that it is a temporary response necessitated by the current situation of COVID-19, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said

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He spoke after the Chinese embassies in the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Philippines and India announced restrictions on travelers from those countries in notices released this week.

According to the notices issued by the relevant Chinese embassies, non-Chinese nationals in the aforementioned countries holding visas or residence permits are temporarily not allowed entry into China.

The notices have clearly stated that it is a temporary response necessitated by the current situation of COVID-19, said Wang.

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"Learning from other countries' practices and taking into consideration the evolving epidemic situation, we have adjusted measures concerning pertinent travelers to China," he said, adding that such adjustment is reasonable and legitimate move consistent with international customary practices.

Wang said the relevant Chinese embassies would issue timely notices in accordance with the evolving situation.

Starting on Thursday, England entered a monthlong lockdown and Britain's death toll rose to the highest in Europe as it grapples with more than 20,000 new coronavirus cases a day. The Philippines has the second-highest number of infections and deaths in Southeast Asia after Indonesia, Reuters reported.

With inputs from China Daily