Hundreds of protesters gathered in Seoul’s vibrant Hongdae shopping district on Saturday to protest Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit, chanting “China Out” and “Chinese and Communism, get out of South Korea.”
The rally occurred as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung hosted Xi for a summit in Gyeongju. Protesters carried placards stating “South Korea belongs to South Korea,” expressing anxieties about Beijing’s growing influence. One protester, Kim Hye Kyung, 64, said she was there to “protect liberal democracy.”
The protest comes after President Lee ordered a crackdown on anti-Chinese and anti-foreigner rallies in October, stating they were harming the country’s image and economy.
During the summit, Lee and Xi discussed sensitive economic and military issues, including Chinese sanctions on a South Korean shipbuilder and the deployment of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system. They also signed seven economic agreements.
Lee’s main request was for Xi’s help in restarting talks with North Korea. However, Pyongyang quickly dismissed Lee’s denuclearisation plan as a “pipe dream,” highlighting the immense diplomatic challenge Seoul faces.