Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu says the government has protested China's temporary suspension of visa issuance for Japanese travelers to the country and asked Beijing to revoke the measure.

The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo announced the suspension on Tuesday after Japan tightened entry rules for arrivals from China, where coronavirus cases are surging.

Matsuno told reporters on Wednesday that Japan has implemented antivirus measures with utmost consideration for not hindering the international movement of people.

He said it's extremely regrettable that China has unilaterally limited visa issuance for reasons other than antivirus measures.

Matsuno said the government has lodged a protest through diplomatic channels, and that Japan will take proper action based on the infection situation in China and how Beijing discloses information.