Talks of US Entry Restrictions, Extraordinary Diplomatic War 

As restrictions on entry into South Korea and on Korean travelers continue to expand throughout the world, concerns are growing even as President Donald Trump has hinted that he will possibly restrict U.S. citizens from entering South Korea. When asked at a White House press conference on Feb. 26 whether he would impose travel or entry restrictions on South Korea in connection with the COVID-19 virus, Trump said “at the right time we may do that. Right now it’s not the right time.”

At the same time, the U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for South Korea from a previous Level 2 for “strongly cautioned” to Level 3, which recommends people reconsider travel to the area.

The U.S. has already banned entry to foreign nationals who have been to China in the past two weeks, and has issued a Level 4 warning prohibiting travel, the highest level. If COVID-19 spreads further in Korea, the possibility of the U.S. taking the same action cannot be ruled out. Unlike China, which is a major power and has a large domestic market, Korea, which is absolutely dependent on the U.S., could suffer a serious economic blow if trade is restricted even for a short time. In addition, military and diplomatic insecurity may increase. Above all, other countries are likely to follow the U.S. in imposing restrictions.

For this reason, the U.S. should make diplomatic efforts to avoid placing Korea in the same category as China and refrain from taking excessive measures such as limiting entry of Koreans into the country. It is also objectionable for the president to make remarks about restricting entry and directly mention South Korea at an open press conference. It is doubtful that this is because South Korea and the U.S. are currently unable to hold private diplomatic discussions. Just as Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha complained to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi about excessive quarantine measures on Korean travelers, Korean diplomacy in the wake of the coronavirus crisis has remained lethargic. Diplomats will need to show more extraordinary determination with respect to engaging in the coronavirus diplomatic war.