Police banned anti-China protesters from the Myeongdong area in downtown Seoul, where the Chinese Embassy is located.

The Seoul Namdaemun Police Station notified groups that reported plans to stage a protest near the Embassy at around 7:30 p.m. Friday about the entry restriction in accordance with the Assembly and Demonstration Act.

Authorities previously minimized restriction to within 100 meters from the Embassy building.

The police also restricted the groups from sparking unnecessary friction with diplomatic delegates or tourists through coarse language or violent acts during rallies or marches.

Presiding over a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Lee Jae Myung likened anti-China protests to acts of disruption or destruction, calling for effective response measures.