By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-12-12 10:43:32 | Updated at 2024-12-12 12:50:18
2 hours ago
China has hit back against comments South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol made about alleged Chinese espionage when defending his decision to declare martial law, calling the remarks “deeply unsettling”.
In a speech on Thursday, Yoon said his martial law decree last week was a response to his political opponents blocking legislation aimed at preventing Chinese espionage, citing two cases of alleged Chinese spies targeting US and South Korean military facilities in June and November.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning responded by saying Beijing was “deeply surprised” by the comments and found them “deeply unsettling”.
“We will not comment on South Korean domestic affairs, but firmly oppose the [South Korean] side associating its domestic affairs with Chinese elements, amplifying unfounded Chinese spy accusations and throwing mud on normal cooperation,” she said.
“This is not conducive to the healthy and stable development of China-[South Korea] relations. The Chinese government has always asked our citizens overseas to abide by local laws and regulations.”
In June, three Chinese nationals studying in South Korea were arrested for using a drone to film the US aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt docked in the port city of Busan.
