Japan Begins Talks with China to Evacuate Japanese Residents Staying in Wuhan

Abe "I Will Repatriate All Volunteers"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] The Japanese government has begun consultations with the Chinese government to repatriate its nationals staying in Wuhan, China, which is considered the origin of the novel coronavirus.

According to NHK on the 26th, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is negotiating with the Chinese government to allow Japanese nationals in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, to leave the area. As of the 24th, it is known that about 700 Japanese nationals are staying in Wuhan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating protection measures for its nationals, including recruiting Japanese who wish to move and, with the understanding of the Chinese side, transporting them to Japan using charter flights operated by private airlines.

In this regard, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on the same day his policy to consult with the Chinese government and repatriate all those who wish to return to Japan.