Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed disappointment Wednesday over China's decision to suspend the issuance of visas to Japanese travelers in response to Tokyo tightening border controls on visitors from China to prevent the spread of coronavirus infections.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press conference Thursday that Beijing hopes relevant countries will "lift discriminatory restrictions" on Chinese citizens as soon as possible in a scientific manner and in the spirit of mutual respect.Kishida's remarks came after China took additional steps to counter tighter border controls implemented by Japan and South Korea, suspending visa-free stays in China for citizens of the two countries that are transiting to a third nation.In Tokyo on Thursday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the government will provide support to domestic firms amid fears China's move will negatively impact businesses.A Chinese medical expert said at a press briefing in Beijing Wednesday the peak of domestic COVID infections is over, but the number of patients with severe symptoms remains high."