South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. Photo: VCG

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok instructed the police on Friday to take "strong measures" when necessary against anti-China rallies taking place in Seoul, his office said, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

Kim was referring to rallies that recently moved from the central district of Myeongdong to the southwestern neighborhood of Daelim-dong, which is home to a large Chinese population, Yonhap reported.

According to the report, the prime minister instructed acting police chief Yoo Jae-seong to closely monitor the rallies and take "strong measures" when necessary in accordance with laws on rallies and police officers' duties, his office said in a press release. He also called for ensuring safety and order to minimize the inconvenience and anxiety of local vendors, residents and Chinese nationals in their everyday lives.

Earlier on September 9, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung condemned recent rallies and demonstrations targeting tourists from China, describing them as "not freedom of expression, but disturbance," per Yonhap.

Lee pressed government officials on response measures, noting that warnings alone may not be sufficient. In reply, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung said authorities were strengthening security around major diplomatic missions and warning protest organizers against insulting acts and rallies.

Global Times