The Chinese embassy in South Korea has urged its citizens to step up personal safety precautions as life returns to normal in Seoul after martial law was briefly imposed and then lifted between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday.
"Chinese citizens living in South Korea can return to their daily lives, but are advised to stay vigilant, continue to monitor local developments and enhance personal safety measures," the embassy said in a morning message on social media platform WeChat.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's brief imposition of martial law – for the first time since the country's democratisation in 1987 – suspended protests and other civil rights, including political gatherings. The press was also placed under military control.
In an unannounced late-night TV address, Yoon vowed to eliminate "anti-state" forces. He has been struggling against an opposition that is in control of the country's parliament and that he accuses of sympathising with communist North Korea.
Yoon's television appearance kicked off a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded the parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule in the Asian democracy.
Protesters calling for Yoon's impeachment gathered outside the National Assembly as 190 legislators voted to lift the martial law order just three hours after the declaration was made.
The bipartisan vote invalidated the declaration and martial law troops eventually withdrew from the National Assembly. On Wednesday morning, South Korea's main opposition party urged Yoon to resign immediately or face impeachment.
Over the six hours of turmoil from the declaration of martial law, Chinese nationals were urged to limit unnecessary outings and exercise caution when expressing political opinions.
"[We advise] Chinese citizens in South Korea to remain calm, pay attention to changes in the political situation, strengthen safety awareness, reduce unnecessary outings, express political opinions with caution and abide by official decrees," the embassy said.
Source :
Editor: Crystal H
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