South Korea to retaliate against China ‘discrimination’, says minister
Trade minister says China is taking unfair measures against South Korean firms in protest over Seoul’s decision to deploy an anti-missile shield
South Korea’s trade minister said on Sunday the government’s responses against discriminating action by China towards South Korean companies will be strengthened and he feels “deep concern” over recent measures taken by Beijing.
Trade Minister Joo Hyung-hwan made the statement while visiting the United States, the ministry said in a statement.
South Korean media said last week Chinese government officials had given verbal guidance to tour operators in China, to stop selling trips to South Korea days after the Seoul government secured land for a U.S. missile-defence system from Lotte Group.
China objects to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system deployment, saying its territory is the target of the THAAD’s far-reaching radar. South Korea and the United States have said the missile system is only aimed at curbing North Korean provocations.
“We will act accordingly to international law against any actions that violate policies of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) or the free trade agreement between South Korea and China,” Joo said.