청 'New Coronavirus' Next Step... Political Circles Demand Expansion of Entry Ban on China

President Moon at April 4 Cabinet Meeting Warns Against 'Exaggerated Anxiety'... Chinese Ambassador's Press Conference, Negative Views on Expanded Entry Ban

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Kang Na-hum] "The economy is psychology. Exaggerated anxiety beyond reality will make our economy even more difficult." President Moon Jae-in's remarks at the Cabinet meeting on the 4th reflect the government's response stance regarding the 'Novel Coronavirus Infection (Wuhan Pneumonia).' It is a message that while the government will do its best to overcome the crisis, it is undesirable for fear to spread unnecessarily.

Earlier, President Moon emphasized at the Blue House senior secretaries and aides meeting on the 3rd that "China is our largest human exchange country as well as our largest trading partner," which is also noteworthy. It implies that the difficulties of neighboring China could soon become Korea's difficulties, so the emergency situation must be overcome together.

In this regard, Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming expressed at a press conference on the 4th, "We deeply appreciate the support from the Korean government and various sectors," but also said, "(Measures to prevent the spread of the infection) should be based on the World Health Organization (WHO)." This contains the potential to cause political conflict between Korea and China, intertwined with political calls for expanded entry bans.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Democratic Party of Korea conveyed to the government the need to expand the entry ban on foreigners who have visited China to block the spread of the novel coronavirus. Lee In-young, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, said at the morning floor strategy meeting on the 4th, "The next two weeks are a critical turning point regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus," and "I propose an emergency action by the National Assembly to end the novel coronavirus." The Democratic Party plans to publicize the issue of expanding the entry ban at the high-level party-government-Blue House council on the 5th.

The Justice Party also suggested expanding the restricted entry ban area beyond Hubei Province in China and proposed a joint response consultative body among ruling and opposition parties and the government. Sim Sang-jung, leader of the Justice Party, said, "It is necessary to expand entry bans to areas where community infections are spreading, such as Guangzhou."

Voices calling for a tough response continue in the political sphere, and if the government responds lukewarmly, it may invite criticism of 'catering to China's sensitivities.' Shin Sang-jin, a member of the Liberty Korea Party, criticized in an interview with BBS Radio's 'Lee Sang-hwi's Morning Journal' on the 4th, "As a neighboring country, strong preemptive blocking measures should be taken first, but we are being dragged along like this."

President Moon's choice of a pro-China political stance amid the novel coronavirus situation is a decision that accepts political risk. This is because it is a choice contrary to the political and public opinion currents demanding a strong government response. President Moon's choice is a strategic move considering politics, economy, and diplomacy from the perspective of national interest.

The problem is that if the number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases increases sharply or deaths occur, public opinion could deteriorate rapidly. The spread of infectious diseases leads to a 'contagion of fear,' which can connect to critical public opinion toward the government. As President Moon stated, "The situation may just be beginning," the development direction of the novel coronavirus situation is fluid. This means it could escalate to a situation where political controversies and criticisms inside and outside the political sphere must be endured.

The Blue House is not ruling out additional measures such as expanding entry bans but is expected to adjust the response level by comprehensively considering situational variables. For now, the government will focus its capabilities on preventing the spread of domestic infections while striving to calm the public's anxiety. However, since even the ruling party has called for additional measures, there is speculation that the Blue House will adopt the political demands and present a more advanced solution.

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