South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-Wha on Friday called on Japan’s ambassador Koji Tomita and lodged a strong protest over Tokyo’s decision to impose new entry restrictions for her country over coronavirus fears.
Kang called the measures `unfriendly’ and `unscientific’ while warning of tit-for-tat response.
“I express deep regrets over the fact that the Japanese government has taken such unreasonable steps although our government has been strictly controlling and managing the COVID-19 through an excellent quarantine system recognized by the world.
“We cannot help but deplore the measure that Japan has pressed ahead without prior notification as well as sufficient consultations despite our repeated calls to refrain from additional measures,’’ she said
The minister raised doubts over the motivations behind Japan’s latest restrictions, stressing that the measures came when South Korea’s containment efforts are yielding progress.
“Japan’s measures this time are not only unfriendly but also unscientific, and I strongly urge Japan to promptly retract them while facing the objective facts and situations.
“I tell you that we cannot help but explore ways for necessary responses, including measures based on the principle of reciprocity, should Japan not withdraw them.’’
The minister also stressed that Korea’s objective data, including the high number of COVID-19 tests, underscores the country’s active and preemptive quarantine efforts rather than any failure to contain the virus.
Japanese Ambassador to South Korea however, said it was unusual for the minister to hold such a meeting with a foreign envoy to file a complaint, illustrating the seriousness South Korea attaches to the issue.
Tomita said in response that he would relay Kang’s remarks to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
“As you might be well aware of the situation in Japan regarding the new coronavirus, the next one or two weeks is a critical juncture that could determine whether the virus outbreaks can end.’’
Tokyo has announced that from Monday that, visitors from South Korea and China will be asked to stay at designated facilities for two weeks and refrain from using public transportation.
It also plans to suspend the 90-day visa-free entry programme for South Koreans on Monday.
Japan has already banned the entry of people who have visited the southeastern city of Daegu and adjacent Cheongdo County, where the bulk of the country’s COVID-19 infections have taken place.