China: Neither Too Distant Nor Too Close... Blue House Caught in Dilemma

Fear of Novel Coronavirus, 'Ban on Chinese Entry' Petition to Blue House... Key Events This Year Including President Xi Jinping's Visit to Korea, Variables in President Moon's Diplomatic and Economic Plans

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Kim Bong-gi] The Blue House is continuing its long deliberation in the face of the public's 'hardline trend.' As of 9 a.m. on the 29th, the number of people agreeing to the Blue House petition for 'ban on Chinese entry' has exceeded 568,000. This is a call for a tough response from the Moon Jae-in administration regarding the fear of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).

This is leading to the spread of 'anti-China sentiment.' The Korea Animal Protection Association held a press conference in front of the Chinese Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the same day, warning, "If the consumption of wild animals (in China) is not stopped, the emergence of new viruses will continue without end."

A 'Chinese phobia' phenomenon, avoiding Chinese people, is also appearing. The Free Korea Patriotic Corps argued in front of the Blue House Sarangchae on the same day that "to prevent the domestic spread of the deadly Wuhan pneumonia, the president should issue an emergency financial and economic order to ban Chinese tourists from entering."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Voices demanding a tougher response are also continuing in the political sphere, centered on opposition parties. Shin Sang-jin, a member of the Liberty Korea Party and former president of the Korean Medical Association, appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 29th and pointed out, "The ban on Chinese entry is actually somewhat late."

On the 28th, Bu Sang-il, a preliminary candidate for Jeju-si Eul district of the Korean Party, demanded restrictions on 'visa-free entrants' at a press conference at the National Assembly's Press Hall, saying, "Even if only one infected person occurs among entrants to Jeju Island, Jeju can become an island of crisis and fear." This is a call for government authorities to seek ways to fundamentally block the possibility of novel coronavirus infection through Chinese tourists.

The reason why President Moon Jae-in's dilemma cannot help but deepen in this regard is not unrelated to the '2020 China project.' It is a plan to break through the thorny path of diplomacy and economy through the China leverage strategy. Even if neighboring countries of China take strong measures such as entry bans, our government has no choice but to respond cautiously.

On the 28th, as fear of the novel coronavirus infection known as 'Wuhan pneumonia' spreads, a screening clinic is operating at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Jinhyung Kang, Seongnam aymsdream@

The South Korean and Chinese governments are continuing practical preparations for Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Korea in the first half of this year. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Korea is also scheduled for this year. The government does not hide its expectations that President Xi's visit will lead to the easing of the 'Korean ban' (Hanhanryeong). China's support is important for boosting President Moon's active role in improving inter-Korean relations. The 'New Northern Policy,' a key task of the Moon Jae-in administration this year, is the same.

It is not as easy as it sounds for Korea to make a cold choice by prioritizing its own interests while China is experiencing a national crisis. The Blue House's disclosure of President Moon's reply to the birthday message for President Xi is noteworthy. Blue House Deputy Spokesperson Han Jeong-woo revealed President Moon's message: "We evaluate the Chinese government's efforts to respond to the novel coronavirus and wish for a swift resolution. Our government will also spare no necessary support and cooperation."

The Blue House plans to set its response direction considering the World Health Organization (WHO) response regarding the demand for banning Chinese entry. Currently, the possibility of WHO proposing solutions such as banning Chinese entry is low.

However, as the number of deaths from the novel coronavirus infection continues to rise, there is a limit to the Blue House calming the hardline public opinion with a principled response. It is possible that the Blue House's response to the petition for banning Chinese entry may come out faster than expected.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.