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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin gives a press conference. (from the Chinese Foreign Ministry website)

The Chinese government has avoided giving any immediate answers to Seoul’s demands for “action” to be taken regarding Xing Haiming, the Chinese ambassador to South Korea.

Beijing’s only response to date has been to express “regret” over the “personal attacks on Ambassador Xing” in the South Korean media.

At a regular briefing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin was asked for a position on the South Korean government’s demands for “appropriate measures” against Xing.

“I noted the ROK side’s remarks and also noted that some ROK media outlets have made reports that are inconsistent with facts or even amount to personal attacks on Ambassador Xing Haiming,” he replied.

“I deeply regret this,” he added.

Previously, a senior official with the South Korean presidential office commented on Tuesday about the controversy over Xing’s remarks about “betting” during a recent meeting with Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung.

“We are waiting for China to think over this issue and take appropriate measures,” they said.

During a Cabinet meeting the same day, President Yoon Suk-yeol made references to Yuan Shikai, a Chinese official who repeatedly interfered in internal affairs while remaining in Korea as a Qing Dynasty representative during the late Joseon dynasty.

“The South Korean people are unsettled by the inappropriate conduct of the Chinese ambassador,” he said.

A day earlier, South Korean news outlets such as the Munhwa Ilbo reported allegations that Xing and his wife were provided with free accommodations at a luxury resort on Ulleung Island by a South Korean company on June 5.

Wang’s remarks on Tuesday were interpreted as a sign of confidence in Xing and a rejection of Seoul’s demand for him to be recalled.

“I would like to stress once again that it is part of Ambassador Xing Haiming’s job to engage extensively with people from various walks of life in the ROK with an aim of increasing understanding, promoting cooperation and advancing China-ROK relations,” Wang said.

“There is no point in making an issue of this,” he stressed.

“A sound and steady China-ROK relationship serves the common interests of both sides. We hope the ROK will work actively with China towards this end,” he continued.

By Choi Hyun-june, Beijing correspondent

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]