As the South Korean presidential election approaches, anti-China sentiment is on the rise. The Chinese Embassy in South Korea has issued a notice reminding citizens to closely monitor local conditions and security, to strengthen self-protection awareness, keep a distance from voting and political gatherings, and to enhance safety precautions.
The South Korean presidential election will be held on June 3, with early voting already underway. On the 29th, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea published a notice on its official WeChat account reminding citizens about safety during the South Korean election and the Dragon Boat Festival holiday.
The embassy advises Chinese citizens to closely watch the local conditions and security status in South Korea, to enhance self-protection awareness, and to learn and comply with South Korean laws and regulations. They should keep a distance from voting and political gatherings, not participate, linger, or observe, and refrain from making or disseminating public political statements.
Following previous incidents of Chinese individuals in South Korea taking unauthorized photos of military bases and other sensitive facilities, the embassy specifically advises Chinese citizens to stay away from military facilities, airports, and other sensitive locations. Before using drones or cameras and phones to take photographs, they must understand and comply with relevant South Korean laws and regulations, and should avoid illegal activities, respect local customs, practice civilized tourism, and maintain a good image of Chinese people.
The embassy also advises Chinese citizens to strengthen safety precautions, remain calm in unexpected situations, report to the police promptly, and pay attention to collecting and preserving evidence. They should try to avoid verbal or physical conflicts to ensure their own safety, and use legal means when necessary.
South Korean media reports indicate that the current 'anti-China' sentiment is closely linked to political manipulation. The ruling conservative party, the 'People Power Party', and far-right politicians frequently manipulate 'anti-China' issues to stimulate election sentiment. Incidents such as the arrest of Chinese nationals illegally photographing military aircraft in Gyeonggi-do and a case of a Chinese national committing assault have fueled increased hate speech on social media and frequent street harassment.