Japan Indicates Possible Extension of Entry Restrictions on Korea... "Difficult to Give a Definitive Answer"

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga Reveals at Regular Briefing on the 9th

▲Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Japanese government hinted that it may extend the 'entry restrictions from South Korea and China' measures, which began on the 9th, beyond the originally planned end of this month.

At the regular briefing on the morning of the same day, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said regarding the deadline for this measure being set at the end of this month, "This is a critical moment," and added, "It is difficult to give a definitive answer about the future as the situation changes moment by moment."

He continued, "We will review based on the situations of various countries and the effects of the measures, and then make a comprehensive judgment."

Earlier, on the 5th, the Japanese government announced COVID-19 prevention measures at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which included ▲ invalidation of visas issued by embassies in South Korea and China ▲ suspension of visa-free entry for South Korean, Hong Kong, and Macao nationals ▲ a 'two-week waiting (quarantine)' measure for entrants from South Korea and China.

Regarding the South Korean government's implementation of entry restrictions on Japan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga stated, "Japan's measures were decisions made based on facts, such as the number of COVID-19 infections in South Korea already reaching about 6,000 at the time of the announcement," and claimed, "It was not intended to affect Japan-South Korea relations."

He also added, "Japan had previously notified South Korea through diplomatic channels about the thoughts and contents of the measures before the announcement and explained them politely even after the announcement," and said, "We will continue to explain politely to the international community, including South Korea."

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