Chinese ambassador rejects rumor of Chinese interference in S Korean election

Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing on Monday rejected rumors spread by some individuals in South Korea about so-called Chinese interference in South Korean elections. He wrote on X that China always adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs and opposes relating South Korea's internal issues with China for no reason.

“In response to the recent rumors of the so-called 'China's interference in the ROK's elections' speculated by a very small number of people in the ROK, my colleague told the Yonhap News Agency and other ROK media yesterday correspondingly: China has all along upheld the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. And we have always honored our word and are completely aboveboard on it,” Dai wrote.

As the amicable and close neighbor, we do hope the ROK will maintain stability, development and prosperity, which is our valuable political support. We believe that the ROK people have the wisdom and ability to properly deal with their internal issues. But at the same time, we oppose relating their internal issues with China for no reason, and believe they can have a clear understanding of the complexity and make correct judgments accordingly, Dai wrote.

China and the ROK have close exchanges in various fields including people-to-people exchanges, with a large number of nationals working, studying, living and traveling in each other's country. In this regard, it is hoped that the ROK side would effectively safeguard the safety and legitimate rights of Chinese nationals in the ROK, Dai noted.

According to the Korea Times on Sunday, anti-China sentiment is spreading among far-right conservatives here in Korea amid the martial law fiasco, as President Yoon Suk-yeol and members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) have openly insisted on so-called China's alleged involvement in election fraud.

Since January, every Friday evening, around 50 to 100 protesters holding signs that read "No China" have marched along Myeongdong Street in central Seoul, Korea Times reported.

In response to a question about Yoon's remarks in a televised address, in which he said "the major opposition party is now threatening national security and public safety" and mentioned cases involving Chinese nationals in South Korea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference in December 2024 that China will not comment on the South Korea's domestic affairs.

China absolutely opposes the South Korean side associating its domestic affairs with Chinese elements, amplifying unfounded "Chinese spy" accusations and throwing mud at normal economic and trade cooperation. None of these are conducive to a healthy and steady China-ROK relationship, Mao said.