China condemns ‘certain forces and personnel’ in South Korea for slandering Beijing

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Friday expressed strong opposition to what it described as "certain forces and personnel" in South Korea using Beijing-related issues for political purposes.

“We strongly deplore and firmly oppose certain forces and personnel in the ROK creating ill-intentioned associations and propagating China-related issues for political gains,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular press conference.

His remarks came in response to statements made by South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol during his 11th hearing in his impeachment trial.

Yoon claimed at the final hearing of his impeachment trial on Tuesday that Chinese nationals used drones to threaten South Korean security and that critical technologies were being leaked to China, according to The Global Times.

Lin reiterated Beijing’s position, emphasizing that "China consistently adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs and believes that the South Korean people have the wisdom and capability to handle their domestic issues.”

“Throwing mud at one’s neighbor will not solve one’s own problem,” he said, urging Seoul to cease “vilifying and attacking China.”

He further called on South Korea to “stop using China-related issues for a political agenda and avoid disrupting and undermining bilateral relations.”

Yoon had previously accused certain Chinese nationals of "flying drones and filming a US aircraft carrier docked" in Busan, a southeastern port city, as well as "filming the National Intelligence Service with a drone" on Dec. 12, 2024.

South Korea is a key US ally in the Far East, hosting more than 28,500 American troops. US warships and military aircraft regularly visit South Korea.