Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In response to a question about South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's remarks on Thursday, in which he cited cases threatening the security of South Korea and claimed that Chinese solar power facilities will destroy forests nationwide, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China has taken note of the situation and is deeply surprised and dissatisfied with these comments. 

While China does not comment on South Korea's internal affairs, it firmly opposes linking domestic issues to China-related factors, fabricating baseless allegations of so-called Chinese espionage, and discrediting normal economic and trade cooperation, said Mao, noting that such actions are detrimental to the healthy and stable development of China-South Korea relations. 

In a televised address on Thursday, Yoon accused of some Chinese nationals of "flying drones and filming a US aircraft carrier docked in Busan" and of "filming the National Intelligence Service (NIS) with a drone," according to an unofficial translation of President Yoon's address released by the Business Korea. 

Mao said that the Chinese government consistently requires its citizens overseas to comply with local laws and regulations. Regarding the specific cases mentioned by the South Korean side, Mao noted that no conclusion has been reached yet. 

Relevant departments from both sides have maintained communication, and China urges South Korea to handle cases involving Chinese nationals fairly, provide timely updates to China on case developments, and ensure the safety and legitimate rights of the individuals involved, said Mao. 

The development of China's green industry results from global market demand, technological innovation, and fair competition, contributing significantly to combating climate change and improving global environmental governance, said Mao. 

Global Times