China's "deep dissatisfaction" with Yoon Suk Yeol's "Chinese spy" talk

The Chinese government criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol's mention of espionage cases involving Chinese people in a public statement that virtually rejected his demand for resignation, saying it was not beneficial for the development of Korea-China relations.

"I am deeply surprised and dissatisfied with the South Korean comments," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said at a regular briefing.

He added, "We firmly oppose the South Korean side's fabrication of the so-called 'Chinese spy' by linking the internal affairs with China-related factors and undermining normal economic and trade cooperation."

"We noted that the relevant case mentioned by the South Korean side has not yet reached a conclusion," spokesman Mao said. "The relevant ministries of the two countries continue to communicate."

"China again urges South Korea to handle the case involving Chinese citizens fairly, notify China of the case's handling in time, and substantially guarantee the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens involved in the case," he said.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been reticent to ask questions about Korea's martial law aftermath, saying, "I will not comment because it is Korea's internal affairs," but strongly protested when President Yoon justified martial law by directly mentioning China.