China’s embassy in South Korea has warned its citizens to stay alert amid ongoing anti-Chinese protests in Seoul that it blamed on “far-right” forces.
The demonstrations – involving hundreds of protesters and featuring slogans such as “China out” – have been taking place in the capital for months.
In a statement posted on its website on Thursday, the embassy warned that a rally was scheduled for an unspecified location in downtown Seoul on Friday.
“We regretfully note that certain South Korean politicians have spread disinformation, and certain far-right groups have periodically staged anti-China demonstrations in areas like Myeongdong and Daerimdong in Seoul, where Chinese tourists gather,” the statement said.
The latest protest coincides with the eight-day “golden week” holiday in China – a peak period for travel abroad.
“[The protesters’] actions, chosen during the festive period when the Chinese people celebrate National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival ... are driven by ulterior motives and are unpopular,” the embassy said.
“The Chinese embassy hereby once again reminds Chinese tourists in South Korea and those planning to visit to remain highly vigilant and pay attention to their personal safety.
“We also solemnly demand that the South Korean side fully safeguards the personal safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in South Korea.”
On Thursday, the country’s president, Lee Jae-myung, ordered a crackdown on the protests, according to Yonhap news agency.
He warned that “hate speech” and “racially discriminatory rallies” were undermining the country’s image internationally.
The previous month, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok told police to take “strong action” against protests outside the Chinese embassy in Myeongdong, a busy shopping district, warning that they were causing “growing inconvenience or anxiety” to businesses, Chinese citizens and residents.
The demonstrations, organised by various right-wing and nationalist groups, come amid Lee’s efforts to improve relations with China.
Ties had hit a low point under his predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol, who was removed from office and detained over a failed attempt to declare martial law last year.
On Monday, South Korea started offering visa-free entry for Chinese tour groups as part of the effort to improve relations, but the move drew sharp criticism from the opposition, who raised concerns over security and public safety.
The Chinese embassy statement on Thursday welcomed the move, saying: “We believe that with joint efforts from all sectors of China and South Korea, the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership will surely develop positively, and the schemes of a few political forces will not succeed.”
The annual golden week holiday, which started on Wednesday, is expected to see Chinese travellers make between 8 million and 8.4 million trips abroad – more than double the 3.8 million recorded last year – according to travel marketing and technology company China Trading Desk.
The company also reported that demand was “surging” for visa-free locations. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
