Passengers wearing face masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are seen on a Shanghai Airlines aircraft at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai, China, Mar 25, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS/Aly Song)

BEIJING: China will block most foreigners from entering the country - including those with valid visas and residence permits - to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the foreign ministry said on Thursday (Mar 26).