Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary: "Korea-China Entry Restrictions Decided Without Expert Consultation"

Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's decision on the 5th to impose entry restrictions on South Korea and China to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was reportedly made immediately without expert consultation.

According to Kyodo News on the 6th (local time), Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, stated at the House of Councillors Budget Committee held that day that these measures were implemented without consultation with the Japanese government expert panel.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga reportedly claimed, "Although the expert panel procedure was not followed, it is true that opinions were heard from experts."

Regarding the strengthened entry restrictions, he said, "After reviewing based on newly acquired facts such as situations and information from various foreign countries, the government made a comprehensive judgment." He also mentioned about South Korea that "the number of cases has suddenly increased in the past few days."

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