President Lee Jae Myung condemned ongoing anti-China rallies in Seoul, calling them “self-destructive acts” that harm South Korea’s national interest and global image.

During a senior aides’ meeting at the presidential office in Seoul's Yongsan District on Thursday, Lee ordered ministries to crack down on hate speech and incitement that threaten tourist safety and to prepare measures to combat racism.

His remarks came as anti-China demonstrations continue in areas such as the Myeongdong area of Seoul in defiance of police crackdowns.

Lee stressed that Chinese group tourists are vital to South Korea's economy, noting that each visit generates spending comparable to export revenue.

He also compared the actions to anti-South Korea rallies in Japan, saying the latter had damaged Korea’s view of Japan and that Korea currently risked giving the rest of the world a similarly negative impression.