Safety in China

[Anchor Lead]

Anti-Korea protests have broken out in China over Seoul’s decision to deploy the U.S. THAAD missile defense system. The Korean embassy has alerted Korean residents in China to be cautious for their safety during these times.

[Pkg]

Hundreds of Chinese citizens have taken to the streets in protest, demanding the Korean conglomerate Lotte Group pull business from China. Chinese security police arriving on site take away the protesters' flags and block the road. Some Chinese people incite anti-Korean sentiment at crowded public places.

[Soundbite] "Victory for our country! China victory! Korea boycott!"

The rally dispersed after security police rounded up the organizers. A drug store in Shenyang has even posted a sign banning the entry of Koreans. With anti-Korean sentiment flaring up in China, a dozen Lotte Mart stores have voluntarily decided to temporarily close business.

[Soundbite] "Lotte Mart, get out of China!"

Even Lotte Mart suppliers are showing systematic signs of halting business ties. The Beijing government has nonchalantly responded to Korea filing an appeal with the World Trade Organization against China's retaliatory actions over Seoul's THAAD U.S. missile defense deployment.

[Soundbite] Hua Chunying(Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman) : "We support trade advancement between Korea and China but as you all know, it must be based upon the people's will."

With anti-Korea protests intensifying in China, the Korean embassy in Beijing has cautioned Korean residents to be extra careful of their safety.