Zhao Lijian Photo: VCG

Chinese envoys have a duty to make clear China's stance on issues related to its key interests and should not be interpreted as interfering in other countries' domestic affairs, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, after Seoul urged the Chinese ambassador to be "cautious" for making remarks related to a South Korean presidential candidate.

China upholds the principle of not interfering in other countries' domestic affairs, and won't influence South Korea's elections. No matter who wins the presidential elections, China is willing to join hands with South Korea to keep improving bilateral ties, said Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of the ministry, noting that China also hopes South Korean politicians can give more positive voices, and inject positive energy into the bilateral relations.

Zhao's remarks were made after Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming rebutted remarks by Yoon Seok-youl, a conservative presidential hopeful in South Korea, who said that China should first remove its long-range radar systems on its border if it wants a US anti-missile system, called THAAD, to be withdrawn from South Korea. Xing called such remarks "hardly understandable."

South Korea's foreign ministry made an implicit call Saturday for Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming to be "cautious," reported Yonhap News Agency. 

Earlier this week, Lee Jun-seok, the new leader of the main conservative opposition People Power Party, also criticized Beijing's stance in dealing with Hong Kong. 

Xing later met with Lee, saying that the rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people are fully guaranteed by law, and the region has seen great improvements in its democracy. 

Zhao said at the Wednesday news briefing that he noticed some South Korean politicians voiced their opinions about Hong Kong and THAAD, some of which are unacceptable to China.

Hong Kong is China's domestic affairs, said Zhao, noting that China and South Korea already reached a consensus on the THAAD issue, which lays an important foundation for both countries to develop ties.

It is the duty of Chinese envoys to make clear China's stance on matters related to China's key interests, which should not be translated as interfering in other countries' domestic affairs, or influencing elections, the spokesperson said. 

Global Times