Shin Sang-jin: "Comprehensive Screening of All Entrants from China Needed... Public Safety Is the Top Priority"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Shin Sang-jin, the COVID-19 Countermeasures Committee Chairman of the Liberty Korea Party, emphasized the need for a strong investigation of entrants coming from all over China in relation to the spread of the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia).

On the 4th, Chairman Shin appeared on BBS Radio's 'Lee Sang-hwi's Morning Journal' and said, "In my view, banning entrants from Hubei Province came too late and is ineffective."

He stated, "If it is a neighboring country with frequent exchanges, we should first take strong preemptive blocking measures, but we are continuously being dragged behind. Experts unanimously say that entrants from all over China should be evaluated with the strongest possible measures for at least 14 days."

Chairman Shin pointed out, "The Chinese government imposed a lockdown on January 23 to prevent residents from leaving Wuhan City. Actually, around that time, our country should have restricted entrants from Wuhan City and Hubei Province," and added, "However, since 5 million people had already left Wuhan City, blocking entrants only from Hubei Province is like having many holes in the quarantine system."

Regarding this, he also criticized the government for being cautious about China. Chairman Shin said, "Looking at the overall China policy of the Moon Jae-in administration so far, we cannot help but evaluate it as being cautious about China," and "in matters of quarantine, the relationship with neighboring countries or anything else aside, the life and safety of the people must be the top priority."

He also urged the National Assembly to fulfill its role. Chairman Shin said, "The most important thing at this point for both ruling and opposition parties is to temporarily restrict entrants from all over China, but the ruling party's attitude is not aligned with this," and expressed concern, "If restricting entrants from China is framed as China hatred, the National Assembly special committee could become a battleground for political strife."

Regarding the discussion on electoral district delimitation, he said, "The most important thing is to open the National Assembly for bipartisan problem-solving, to review and examine various issues. If the temporary National Assembly session, convened due to infectious disease reasons, is used for political fights over other electoral district issues, how much will the public hate the political circles?" He added, "We should actively discuss only how to wisely and bipartisanship unite to overcome this crisis."

About Hwang Kyo-ahn, the Liberty Korea Party leader’s candidacy in Jongno, he said, "Whether it is Jongno or not is not the important point; with the general election approaching, a decisive decision raising the flag of a veteran is needed considering various factors," and personally added, "It would be good for the party if he runs in Jongno and fights a big battle."

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