Beijing decries South Korean leader Yoon’s ‘Chinese spy’ defence of martial law

China has hit back at South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s allegations of Chinese espionage in his defence of his decision to declare martial law, calling the claims “deeply unsettling”.

In a speech on Thursday, Yoon said his martial law decree last week was a response to his political opponents blocking legislation to prevent Chinese spying, citing two cases of alleged Chinese spies targeting US and South Korean military facilities in June and November.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing was “deeply surprised” by the comments and found them “deeply unsettling”.

“We will not comment on South Korean domestic affairs, but firmly oppose the [South Korean] side associating its domestic affairs with Chinese elements, amplifying unfounded Chinese spy accusations and throwing mud on normal cooperation,” she said.

“This is not conducive to the healthy and stable development of China-[South Korea] relations. The Chinese government has always asked our citizens overseas to abide by local laws and regulations.”

In June, three Chinese nationals studying in South Korea were arrested for using a drone to film the US aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt docked in the port city of Busan.