South Korea President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday directed security agencies to clamp down on anti-Chinese and anti-foreigner rallies, warning that such activities were tarnishing the country’s image and threatening economic interests.
Far-right groups have staged protests targeting Chinese nationals and the Chinese Communist Party since the government introduced a pilot visa-free entry programme for tourists from China earlier this week.
The initiative, which runs until June next year, is aimed at boosting tourism and consumer spending. Large retail chains have already begun rolling out special offers and expanding payment options to accommodate Chinese visitors.
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“Who would want to go to a country to sightsee and buy things when the people revile them for no reason?” Lee asked during a meeting with senior presidential aides.
He described the rallies as “self-destructive and totally useless behaviour that damages our national interests and national image,” and ordered a complete crackdown on activities inciting hostility against foreign tourists.
Lee also instructed officials to implement special measures against “racial hatred” and to ensure the safety of visitors under the new visa-free scheme.
