China's embassy in South Korea has advised its citizens to remain vigilant amid ongoing situations.Ongoing anti-China demonstrations in Seoulthat it was attributed to "far-right" groups.
The protests – which have drawn hundreds of demonstrators and include chants like "China out" – have been occurring in the capital for several months.
In a message published on its website on Thursday, the embassy cautioned that a demonstration is planned for an unknown site in central Seoul on Friday.
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The statement mentioned with regret that some South Korean politicians have disseminated false information, while certain far-right groups have occasionally organized anti-China protests in locations such as Myeongdong and Daerimdong in Seoul, where Chinese tourists often visit.
The most recent demonstration occurs alongside the eight-day "golden week" holiday in China -a busy time for international travel.
The embassy stated: "Their actions, taken during the holiday season when the Chinese people are celebrating National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival... are motivated by hidden intentions and are not supported by the public."
The Chinese embassy once again advises Chinese travelers in South Korea and those intending to visit to stay alert and focus on their personal security.
We also strongly insist that the South Korean government fully ensures the personal safety and legal rights and interests of Chinese citizens in South Korea.
On Thursday, the nation's President Lee Jae-myung directed a suppression of the demonstrations, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
He cautioned that "hate speech" and "racially motivated demonstrations" were damaging the nation's global reputation.
Last month, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok instructed the police to implement "firm measures" against demonstrations near the Chinese embassy in Myeongdong, a bustling commercial area, stating that these protests were leading to "increasing disruption or worry" for businesses, Chinese nationals, and local residents.
The protests, coordinated by multiple far-right and nationalistic organizations, occur during Lee's initiatives to enhance ties with China.
The situation with ties had reached a critical level during the tenure of his predecessor Yoon Suk-yeol, who was removed from power and arrested following the unsuccessful effort to impose martial law last year.
On Monday, South Korea began allowing Chinese tourist groups to enter without a visa.as part of the initiative to enhance relations, but this action faced strong criticism from the opposition, who expressed worries about security and public safety.
The statement from the Chinese embassy on Thursday expressed approval of the decision, stating: "We believe that through collaborative efforts from all sectors in China and South Korea, the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership will definitely progress positively, and the plans of a few political groups will not succeed."
The annual Golden Week holiday, which began on Wednesday, is anticipated to involve Chinese travelers embarking on between 8 million and 8.4 million international trips—more than double the 3.8 million recorded in the previous year—according to a travel marketing and technology firm called China Trading Desk.
The firm also noted that there was a "sharp increase" in interest for destinations without visa requirements.
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This piece was first published in the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), a top news outlet covering China and Asia.
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