China’s ambassador to South Korea, Dai Bing, publicly praised the leftist government of President Lee Jae-myung for targeting conservative and anti-communist voices. Dai’s remarks came after Lee labeled peaceful anti-China demonstrations as “hate rallies” and amid reports that police are investigating conservative activists for political expression.
In a message posted to Twitter—despite the platform being banned in China—Dai applauded Seoul’s “commitment” to taking measures against anti-China protests, claiming such efforts promote “friendly cooperation” between the two nations. He criticized “forces smearing China” but expressed optimism that tensions could be resolved quickly.
South Korea’s political climate has been tense since Lee’s June election victory, which followed the impeachment of conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol. Yoon, a staunch anti-communist, maintained strong ties with the United States while taking a tougher stance on Beijing. Many of his supporters allege Chinese interference in Lee’s rise to power, though the government and international observers have not questioned the election’s legitimacy.
Lee’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday intensified concerns among conservatives. He condemned recent anti-China demonstrations—some of which protested alleged foreign meddling—as “rife with profanity and hateful remarks” that went “beyond freedom of expression.” He linked the protests to broader issues of discrimination and urged officials to take “necessary measures” against such activities.
The remarks follow reports that police have opened an investigation into the conservative group Freedom University, which staged a peaceful anti-communist rally in front of the Chinese Embassy on July 22. The group allegedly tore a Chinese flag depicting Xi Jinping and Ambassador Dai, prompting charges under South Korea’s law prohibiting insults against foreign diplomats—a crime carrying up to three years in prison.
Lee has previously signaled a willingness to curb conservative speech, including criticism of “fake news” on YouTube. His administration has also sought to repair relations with Beijing, with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun emphasizing the need to “seek common ground” with China. Chinese state media outlets such as Global Times have praised Lee’s rhetoric and his condemnation of anti-communist rallies, framing it as a positive shift in Seoul’s foreign policy stance.
