South Korea's Ruling Party Accused of Manipulating Chinese Involvement Amid Impeachment Turmoil

In the midst of ongoing political upheaval in South Korea, members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) have been accused of exaggerating the role of Chinese residents in local political activities. This approach is seen as an attempt to redirect public focus away from the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, with some politicians suggesting that Chinese nationals in South Korea are actively endorsing impeachment protests.

During a pro-Yoon rally, PPP lawmaker Kim Min-jeon suggested that Chinese individuals were at the forefront of the impeachment movement, while another lawmaker, Yoo Sang-bum, claimed that these nationals were significantly involved in such rallies. The Chinese Embassy in South Korea has advised its citizens to avoid political gatherings and to remain cautious, highlighting concerns for their safety amidst this politically charged environment.

Chinese analysts express skepticism regarding the need to spotlight Chinese involvement as a means to shield Yoon from impeachment consequences, noting that it may lead to unnecessary strains in South Korea-China relations. They point out that the sizable Chinese community in South Korea often engages in local events purely out of curiosity rather than political motivations. Furthermore, they predict that without a clear resolution to the internal political conflicts, instability in South Korea is likely to continue in the foreseeable future, calling for restraint from dragging China into these domestic disputes. In a previous statement, President Yoon had also mentioned controversial topics related to Chinese nationals, drawing sharp criticism from Chinese officials who opposed any linkage of domestic issues with external elements.