Japanese Foreign Minister "Adjusting Dispatch of Fourth Charter Flight to Wuhan, China on the 6th"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Japanese government announced on the 5th that it is coordinating with the Chinese government to dispatch a fourth charter flight to evacuate its nationals from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).

According to NHK and other broadcasts, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu told reporters at the National Diet on the same day that final coordination with the Chinese side is underway to dispatch the fourth charter flight to Wuhan on the 6th. The Japanese government has dispatched three charter flights since the 29th of last month and has repatriated 565 Japanese nationals who were staying in Wuhan.

Foreign Minister Motegi said, "There are about 140 Japanese nationals who wish to return," adding, "We will make it possible for many people who want to return to use the flight." He further explained, "From a humanitarian perspective, coordination is also being made with the Chinese side regarding the boarding of people related to Japanese nationals, such as spouses of Chinese nationality." Including these individuals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that about 200 people are expected to board the fourth charter flight.

Quoting a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the fourth charter flight, operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA), is expected to depart Haneda Airport on the night of the 6th and return on the morning of the 7th.

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