Beijing ‘surprised’ by South Korean president’s spying accusations

Yoon Suk Yeol should not try linking bilateral relations to his country’s internal affairs, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has said

Beijing firmly opposes South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to “hype up” espionage accusations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has said. The claims reflect the internal political struggle taking place in the country, a ministry spokesperson added.

During an address on Thursday, Yoon claimed that the political opposition's move to block legislation that would allow him punish foreigners for spying was a key reason behind his imposition of martial law last week. 

He mentioned two cases of alleged Chinese agents surveying US and South Korean assets with drones earlier this year.

Beijing is “deeply surprised and dissatisfied” with the South Korean president’s remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said during a briefing later in the day.

“The Chinese side will not comment on South Korea’s internal affairs, but it firmly opposes… linking of internal affairs with China-related factors, hyping up the unfounded ‘Chinese espionage’ accusations and smearing normal economic and trade cooperation,” she stressed.

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Mao reminded that no conclusions have yet been made on the two cases brought up by Yoon, and that Chinese and South Korean officials are currently in contact regarding the issue.

The Chinese government has “consistently required” its citizens abroad to comply with local laws and regulations, she noted. The spokeswoman urged Seoul to handle the cases of Chinese nationals it suspects of espionage “fairly.” 

Mao was also asked to respond to Yoon’s suggestion that “China-made solar power facilities will destroy forests” across South Korea.

“The development of China’s green industry… made important contributions to addressing climate change and improving global environmental governance,” she insisted.

Three Chinese nationals had been arrested on suspicion of using a drone to film a US aircraft carrier docked in the South Korean port of Busan in June.  Last month, a Chinese man was detained for allegedly flying a UAV over the headquarters of the National Intelligence Service in Seoul.

READ MORE: South Korea’s ex-defense chief attempts suicide ahead of martial law charges

Yoon is being investigated for alleged insurrection after declaring martial law in the country last Tuesday. A second vote on his impeachment is expected to take place in the nation’s parliament on Saturday. A poll by Gallup Korea, which was published on Friday, suggested that the president’s approval rating has slipped to a record low of 11%. It also found that 75% of those surveyed supported Yoon’s impeachment.