China urges its citizens in South Korea to be vigilant after martial law turmoil

Chinese embassy in Seoul advises caution as South Koreans come to terms with dramatic upheaval overnight

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A protester calls for the impeachment and resignation of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol outside the National Assembly in Seoul on Wednesday morning after martial law was imposed and withdrawn within hours overnight. Photo: EPA

Published: 12:31pm, 4 Dec 2024Updated: 8:21pm, 4 Dec 2024

Beijing urged Seoul to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals on Wednesday evening but opted to not comment on South Korea’s short-lived declaration of martial law.

“China has taken note of the situation. No comment will be made on the internal affairs of South Korea,” the Chinese foreign ministry said, adding that Beijing’s positions on issues relating to the Korean peninsula were unchanged.

“We hope the South Korean side can take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions.”

Earlier , the Chinese embassy in South Korea urged its citizens to step up personal safety precautions after martial law was briefly imposed and then lifted between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday.

“Chinese citizens living in South Korea can return to their daily lives, but are advised to stay vigilant, continue to monitor local developments and improve personal safety measures,” the embassy said in a morning message on social media.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s brief imposition of martial law – for the first time since the country’s democratisation in 1987 – suspended protests and other civil rights, including political gatherings. The media was also placed under military control.