China Opposes Yoon's National Address... "Negative Impact on Korea-China Relations"

Yoon Mentions 'Spy Case' Involving Chinese Nationals

The Chinese government strongly criticized President Yoon Suk-yeol for mentioning a spy case involving Chinese nationals in his national address on the 12th.

Yonhap News

Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing that day, "China has taken note of the relevant situation" and expressed "deep surprise (意外, unexpected) and dissatisfaction" with the remarks made by the Korean side. He stated, "We firmly oppose the Korean side linking internal affairs to China-related factors, fabricating the so-called 'Chinese spy' accusation, and tarnishing normal economic and trade cooperation. This is not conducive to the healthy and stable development of China-Korea relations."

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had maintained a stance of "no comment as it is an internal matter of Korea" regarding Korea's impeachment political situation, but reacted strongly to President Yoon's direct mention of China that day.

Spokesperson Mao reiterated, "We firmly oppose the Korean side linking internal affairs to China-related factors, fabricating the so-called 'Chinese spy' accusation, and tarnishing normal economic and trade cooperation. This is not conducive to the healthy and stable development of China-Korea relations." He added, "The Chinese government has consistently required Chinese citizens overseas to comply with local laws and regulations, and we have noted that the related cases mentioned by the Korean side have not yet reached a conclusion. The relevant departments of China and Korea continue to maintain communication."

He also said, "China urges once again that the Korean side handle the cases involving Chinese citizens fairly, promptly inform China of the case handling status, and substantially guarantee the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese citizens involved."

In his national address that day, President Yoon referred to the recent detection of three Chinese nationals who had been photographing military facilities in Korea for over two years, and the case of a man in his 40s who was caught last month after filming the National Intelligence Service with a drone. He said, "We tried to amend the espionage provisions in the criminal law to prevent such situations, but the major opposition party is firmly blocking it." He also claimed, "What would happen if the treasonous forces that disrupt the national order ruled this country? Future growth engines, including the nuclear power and semiconductor industries, would wither, and Chinese-made solar facilities would destroy forests nationwide."

Meanwhile, Chinese state media focused on President Yoon's statement "We will fight to the end," extensively covering the political situation in Korea. The Global Times, the English edition of Huanqiu Shibao, headlined with 'Yoon pledges to deny charges of rebellion and fight to the end,' highlighting President Yoon's determination to refuse resignation. Huanqiu Shibao titled its article 'Bongbaedojeo' (奉陪到底, meaning to persistently endure without backing down from related issues), emphasizing President Yoon's resolve to stay in office.