Minister Kang Kyung-hwa: "If Japan does not withdraw, we will respond based on reciprocity"... Greater concern over Japan's unclear quarantine measures (Comprehensive)

Unprecedented Direct Summons of Japanese Ambassador to Korea... "Questioning the Background of the Measure Taken at a Time of Achieving Containment Success"
Minister Kang Points Out "The Japanese Side's Measure Is Unfriendly and Unscientific"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] “Despite repeated calls to refrain from additional measures, we cannot help but express our deep regret that the measures were enforced without sufficient consultation or prior notice.”

On the 6th at 3 p.m., Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha summoned Koji Domita, the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, to repeatedly protest and express regret. Initially, the summons was planned to be conducted by First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Se-young, but it was changed to Minister Kang. This indicates that the Korean government views Japan’s recent measures very seriously.

At the meeting with the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, Minister Kang stated in her opening remarks, “I summoned you to convey our government’s stern position regarding the Japanese government’s actions to raise the travel alert for Korea, expand the list of regions subject to entry bans, and suspend visa validity, which are blatant measures to strengthen entry restrictions,” adding, “I believe that just by meeting the ambassador in person, you can understand our perception well.”

Minister Kang further added, “Despite our government’s strict control and management of COVID-19 through a world-recognized excellent quarantine system, we deeply regret that the Japanese government has taken such unfair measures.”

She also emphasized doubts about the background of these measures. Minister Kang expressed particular concern about Japan’s opaque and passive quarantine measures.

Minister Kang said, “It is very inappropriate that these measures were taken at a time when our government is achieving results in blocking the spread of COVID-19, and it inevitably raises questions about the background. Objective statistics such as the cumulative number of tests and the testing rate relative to the population clearly demonstrate our proactive and preemptive quarantine capabilities and efforts. On the contrary, we are concerned about Japan’s COVID-19 response, which is opaque and passive,” she pointed out.

She continued, “Japan’s measures are not only truly unfriendly but also unscientific. We strongly urge the Japanese government to face objective facts and situations and promptly withdraw these measures,” emphasizing, “If Japan does not withdraw, we will have no choice but to consider necessary countermeasures, including measures based on reciprocity.”

In response, Koji Domita, the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, said, “I will accurately report what the minister said to our headquarters,” and added, “The situation of COVID-19 in Japan is at a critical stage where the next one to two weeks will determine whether it can be contained.”

Earlier, Japan strengthened quarantine for entrants from Korea and China, requiring them to wait for two weeks at locations designated by quarantine officers and requesting that they refrain from using public transportation within Japan.

Additionally, Japan announced it would suspend visa-free entry within 90 days until the end of this month. Furthermore, it decided to refuse entry to foreigners who have stayed not only in Daegu and Cheongdo in North Gyeongsang Province but also in Andong, Gyeongsan, Yeongcheon cities, and Chilgok, Uiseong, Seongju, and Gunwi counties. This is effectively a comprehensive entry ban against Korea.

In response to Japan’s measures, the Korean government announced a strong countermeasure. On the morning of the same day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “extreme regret” and stated that it is reviewing all possible measures while prioritizing the health and safety of Korean citizens. The Blue House convened the Standing Committee of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss the response direction to Japan’s entry restrictions on Koreans, judging the measures to be unilateral and excessive without sufficient prior consultation.

The Blue House expressed strong regret over Japan’s strengthened entry restrictions on Korea and the raised travel alert for its citizens. After holding the Standing Committee meeting, it was decided to respond based on reciprocity. The Blue House stated, “The standing committee members discussed ways to efficiently cope with the increased uncertainty in the international community due to the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting transnational non-traditional security threats.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also mentioned at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office, “Yesterday, the Japanese government effectively imposed a comprehensive entry ban on our citizens,” and added, “We find this very regrettable.”

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