Chinese embassy backs students tearing down ‘pro-Hong Kong protest’ banners in South Korea

‘Young Chinese students expressed their indignation and opposition to words and actions that harm Chinese sovereignty and distort the facts,’ mission claims

Local police say couple filmed tearing down banners could be charged with property damage

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Students at Seoul National University stage a silent protest in support of the Hong Kong protesters. Photo: DPA

Published: 2:43pm, 15 Nov 2019Updated: 2:59pm, 15 Nov 2019

The Chinese embassy in South Korea on Thursday defended the actions of two people, thought to be Chinese nationals, who were filmed on a university campus in Seoul taking down banners supporting the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, calling for people in the East Asian nation to better understand the situation.

“Young Chinese students expressed their indignation and opposition to words and actions that harm Chinese sovereignty and distort the facts, which is reasonable and understandable,” it said.

The statement came after a man and a woman were caught on camera on Tuesday taking down banners saying “Liberate Hong Kong” and “Free Hong Kong, revolution of our times” that had been put up by students at Yonsei University during a show of support for the ongoing protests in the south China city.

The “Chinese-speaking” pair, who were heard telling the campaigners “what do you care about Chinese politics”, were under investigation and could be charged with property damage, Seoul city police said.

A man hangs a message in support of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement during a rally in Seoul. Photo: EPA-EFE

In a similar incident, more than 50 Chinese exchange students confronted 10 locals at Hanyang University in Seoul, complaining that they were interfering in China’s affairs.