President orders ministries to stamp out anti-China rallies, citing harm to nat'l image

A conservative protester carries signs with anti-China slogans during a rally near the Chinese Embassy in Myeong-dong, Seoul, Aug. 13. Korea Times photo by Choi Ju-yeon

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday ordered a crackdown on anti-China rallies in Seoul, saying the demonstrations are tarnishing the nation's image with their racist hate speech.

"We must completely stamp out these self-defeating acts that harm the national interest and tarnish our country's image. At a time when our country is being recognized as a leading cultural nation, we cannot and should not turn a blind eye to these uncivilized acts that damage our national dignity," Lee said during a meeting with senior aides.

"No foreign citizen would want to travel or shop in a country where they are subjected to baseless hate speech," he added.

The president ordered relevant ministries to swiftly devise strong measures to curb the rallies and ensure that these actions do not pose threats to foreign tourists.

President Lee Jae Myung presides over a meeting with senior aides at his office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

Lee's remarks come as demonstrations targeting the Chinese government and its citizens organized largely by far-right groups have grown more aggressive amid a recent surge in Chinese visitors following Monday's launch of visa-free entry for tour groups.

These developments follow months of protests that have erupted across the capital, including near the Chinese Embassy in Myeong-dong and in neighborhoods home to large Chinese communities such as Daerim-dong in Guro District. Popular destinations for Chinese tourists, such as Hongdae, have also seen protests.

Some protesters have chanted slogans such as "China Out" and "Eradicate Communism," and in some cases have burned or torn Chinese flags bearing Chinese President Xi Jinping's image.

Officials in Seoul are also concerned the unrest could trigger diplomatic tensions with China ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting later this month, which Xi is expected to attend.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will coordinate with relevant agencies to review measures addressing rallies ahead of the APEC summit, scheduled for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

“In cooperation with relevant organizations, we have been closely monitoring the situation and continuing efforts to prevent potential illegal or violent actions,” a ministry official said.

The official added that the ministry is in communication with Chinese counterparts, stressing a mutual understanding that the developments should not harm bilateral relations.

Diplomatic officials have expressed concern that unrest could spill over into the APEC meeting, potentially complicating the Chinese leader's visit.

In an interview with Yonhap News Agency published Thursday, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun highlighted the issue. "What is concerning ahead of the APEC meeting is protests, particularly anti-China rallies. The government should be well prepared through interagency discussions at upcoming meetings."

Cho did not provide details on specific measures, but the foreign ministry is expected to consult with the National Police Agency and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, which are reviewing relevant laws to minimize aggression and ensure public safety.

Chinese President Xi Jinping raises his glass after speaking at the National Day Reception at the Great Hall of the People on the eve of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing, Tuesday. AP-Yonhap

The Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju, where the APEC gathering will take place, will be heavily guarded, although officials remain wary that potential anti-China protests could be visible along Xi's travel route.

The exact travel itinerary and arrival airport of the Chinese leader remain unclear, but sources say the Chinese delegation will stay at the Kolon Resort within the Bomun complex.

Xi's attendance at the APEC summit would mark his first visit to Korea in more than a decade. If it happens, it could signal a full normalization of bilateral ties, which have cooled in recent years following China's discontent over what it views as Seoul's overt alignment with Washington.

Chinese officials have repeatedly lodged concerns about anti-China protests to the Korean government, prompting worries that the demonstrations could become a flashpoint in bilateral relations.

In July, the Chinese Embassy in Seoul sent an official letter to the foreign ministry requesting increased protection around the embassy compound, leading the interior ministry to boost police presence there.

Several media reports suggest that the issue has also been raised in high-level diplomatic meetings, including discussions between Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jin-ah and Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing.

In September, the Chinese Embassy issued a safety advisory urging Chinese tourists to "remain highly vigilant, strengthen their awareness of self-protection and stay away from local political gatherings."

In an editorial last week, China's English-language tabloid Global Times welcomed the visa-free policy but expressed concern over anti-China protests.

"These acts have had a malignant effect, seriously damaging the atmosphere of China-South Korea relations and harming South Korea's own image," it wrote.