President Yoon mentions Chinese spies, Chinese Foreign Ministry expresses ”shock and dissatisfaction” - South Korea

South Korean President Yoon Seok-youl suddenly issued a speech to the nation on the 12th, making it clear that he has no intention of resigning or stepping down early.
He mentioned the importance of guarantees and cited the example of a Chinese national, but the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed dissatisfaction with this, raising concerns that this could develop into a diplomatic issue between the two countries.
On the afternoon of the 12th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference held in Beijing that in response to President Yoon's mention of the Chinese case in his speech, "China
"We are aware of the relevant situation and express our deep surprise and dissatisfaction with such remarks," Mao said. "China does not comment on South Korea's internal affairs, but we are aware that the South Korean side has referred its internal affairs to China.
"We firmly oppose linking these two countries, raising the unfounded so-called Chinese spy theory, and undermining normal economic and trade cooperation, as this will not contribute to the healthy and stable development of China-ROK relations," he said.
Earlier that morning, President Yoon explained the background to the declaration of emergency martial law in a speech to the nation, denying allegations of civil unrest and essentially indicating his intention to refuse to step down early.
During his speech, President Yoon mentioned that three Chinese nationals were arrested in June for flying a drone and taking pictures of a U.S. aircraft carrier docked in Busan.
President Yoon was referring to the fact that a Chinese man in his 40s was arrested last month for filming the National Intelligence Service with a drone.
"We tried to amend the espionage clause of the law, but the huge opposition party is blocking this and is also trying to abolish the National Security Law," he said.
Regarding this, spokesperson Mao said, "The Chinese government has always urged its overseas citizens to abide by local laws and regulations, and has not taken any action regarding the related incidents mentioned by the South Korean side (President Yoon)."
"China asks the South Korean side to handle cases related to Chinese nationals fairly, promptly notify China of the results of the cases, and ensure the safety of Chinese nationals involved in the cases," it said.
"We once again strongly urge the two countries to effectively protect their legitimate rights and interests," he said. In 2017, relations between South Korea and China rapidly deteriorated following the deployment of the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system.
Since taking office in 2017, relations between the two countries have deteriorated in the aftermath of President Yoon's remarks about Taiwan last year, but the two countries are seeking to improve relations following the Japan-China-South Korea summit this year.
President Yoon has pointed out China as a national security threat during this state of emergency, which could once again worsen relations between the two countries.
There is concern that this may be the case.