Government "Closely Monitoring" China's 'Zero COVID' Protest Backlash

"Thorough Measures for Overseas Koreans' Safety and Protection of Business Activities"

During a memorial service for the Urumqi fire disaster held in Beijing, China on the 27th, citizens protested against the COVID-19 lockdown measures. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] The government recently stated that it is closely monitoring the spread of protests in China against the COVID-19 lockdown policies.

On the 29th, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official told reporters in response to questions about the government's stance on the protests in China, "We are well aware of the various assessments regarding the recent situation unfolding in China," and added, "The government is paying close attention to the related developments."

He also emphasized, "We are making every effort to ensure the safety of Korean residents and to protect business activities."

In China, the high-intensity quarantine policy that locks down entire regions has continued for nearly three years, and recently, protests have spread to various places including the capital Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Chinese public security authorities are responding by arresting those participating in the protests.

Earlier, on the 24th, a fire occurred in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, resulting in about ten casualties. Claims rapidly spread that the lockdown of the area prevented timely firefighting, which increased the loss of life, and protests began spreading starting from Urumqi.

Meanwhile, on the 28th (local time), the U.S. White House National Security Council (NSC) issued a statement through a spokesperson affirming the "right to peacefully protest in the U.S., China, and worldwide." John Kirby, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications, said at a briefing the same day, "(President Joe Biden) is being briefed on what is happening inside China," and added, "The president is monitoring the situation and is mindful of the protest activities (within China)."