Japanese Media Criticizes South Korea and China’s Entry Restrictions as "Delayed Response"... China Remains Silent

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Sunmi Park, Reporter Hyunjin Jeong] Japanese media criticized their government’s strengthened entry restrictions on South Korea and China as a "belated response." On the 5th, the Japanese government announced entry restrictions, including suspending the visa-free entry system for short-term stays in Japan. Concerns are rising that this will only worsen relations with neighboring countries amid the spread of confirmed cases within Japan.

On the 6th, the Mainichi Shimbun evaluated Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s announcement to require a two-week quarantine for entrants from South Korea and China as "an attempt by the government to make up for criticism of its belated response," adding that it was "a tardy measure amid the spread of secondary infections domestically." The paper further criticized that "it seems to focus more on sending a strong message and showing a tough political stance rather than effectiveness." The Nihon Keizai Shimbun also analyzed that "facing mounting criticism of the administration, it has returned to a stance of considering all possible measures."

Japanese media noted that this decision came just three hours after Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the postponement of his visit to Japan. On the 3rd, during the House of Councillors Budget Committee, when a Liberal Democratic Party member asked why entry restrictions were not imposed on all of China, Prime Minister Abe replied, "It is not out of diplomatic consideration. If necessary, we will implement it without hesitation."

The Asahi Shimbun reported that "although the government indicated that the measure was unrelated to President Xi’s visit, the announcement of entry restrictions on the 5th came immediately after the postponement announcement," adding that "the government, which values relations with China, faced a 'dilemma' in announcing entry restrictions before the postponement announcement." The Asahi also quoted a senior Japanese government official saying, "There was no need to cause unnecessary friction with China."

There were also views that this measure would impact the Japanese economy. Since 55% of all tourists visiting Japan are from South Korea and China, it is expected that the tourism industry will face increased difficulties. The Asahi Shimbun reported that while the purpose of the measure is to significantly restrict entry from South Korea and China to reduce the flow of infected individuals, "there are concerns about major disruptions to the economy and other areas."

Japan’s measures are also compared with those of the United States. The U.S. explained that it has not imposed entry bans, citing South Korea’s active medical screening of passengers bound for the U.S. According to the Washington Examiner, Ken Cuccinelli, Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said on the 5th (local time), "We continue to operate flights (to South Korea and Italy) because the governments of South Korea and Italy are providing very proactive medical conditions such as testing."

The Chinese government and media have shown a restrained and accepting attitude toward Japan’s strengthened entry regulations. On the 5th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a regular briefing, "Regardless of China or Japan, if a series of scientific, professional, and appropriate measures are taken to protect the health and life safety of their citizens and to safeguard regional and global public health security, everyone can understand them," adding, "The two countries maintain close communication through diplomatic channels." Chinese state media have focused their coverage on the postponement of President Xi’s April visit to Japan and have not prominently highlighted the news of Japan’s decision to strengthen entry restrictions and quarantine measures for Chinese nationals.

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