Beijing slams South Korean President Yoon for blaming China for his country's ongoing domestic crisis

ANKARA

Beijing slammed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday for allegedly blaming China for his country's ongoing domestic crisis, state-run media reported.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing is "deeply surprised and dissatisfied" with Yoon's comments in his second public statement since his failed bid to impose martial law last week.

"While China does not comment on South Korea's internal affairs, it firmly opposes linking domestic issues to China-related factors, fabricating baseless allegations of so-called Chinese espionage, and discrediting normal economic and trade cooperation," said Mao.

Early Thursday, Yoon accused some Chinese nationals of "flying drones and filming a US aircraft carrier docked" in the southeastern port city of Busan, as well as "filming the National Intelligence Service with a drone."

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

Yoon justified his decision to declare martial law, which parliament rejected within six hours, by saying, "The major opposition party is now threatening national security and public safety."

The main opposition Democratic Party, which has 170 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament, rallied 190 lawmakers to vote against Yoon's move.
He said his government tried to amend the espionage provisions, but the major opposition party "stubbornly" blocked it.

The president will face a second impeachment vote on Saturday, as he faces treason and insurrection charges, as well as a travel ban.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid