Kwon Seong-dong: "China's Interference Tactics Require Correction of Voting Rights for Chinese Nationals in Korea"

"No Voting Rights for Koreans Residing in China"
Claims to Restrict Voting Rights for Chinese Residents in Korea

Rep. Kwon Seong-dong of the People Power Party criticized the remarks made by Xing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, who expressed dissatisfaction with the government's diplomatic policy, calling them "interference in internal affairs," and argued that voting rights in local elections for foreigners, including Chinese residents in South Korea, should be restricted.

On the 12th, Rep. Kwon wrote on Facebook, "China has realistic means to interfere in South Korea's internal affairs," expressing this view.

Rep. Kwon stated, "Currently, about 100,000 Chinese nationals have voting rights in local elections. On the other hand, Koreans residing in China do not have voting rights," and added, "To resolve this unfairness, I proposed the 'Public Official Election Act Amendment' (Reciprocity Fair Election Act) last December."

Regarding the bill, Rep. Kwon explained, "The main point is to grant voting rights only to foreigners who have continuously resided in South Korea for at least five years among the nationals of countries that grant voting rights to our citizens," emphasizing, "This principle of reciprocity between countries is natural."

Kwon Seong-dong, member of the People Power Party. [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Public Official Election Act, foreigner voting rights are granted only for local elections to foreigners aged 18 or older who have obtained permanent residency and have lived in South Korea for more than three years. According to data released by the National Assembly Budget Office in March last year, the number of foreign voters in the June 1 local elections held the same year was 126,668, with Chinese nationals accounting for 78.9% (99,969), making up the majority.

Rep. Kwon argued, "Local elections involve voting in relatively small constituencies such as basic councilors and metropolitan councilors," adding, "When this election method combines with the residential patterns of foreigners concentrated in certain areas, there is a possibility that foreign voting rights could distort public opinion. This issue must be corrected."

He further stated, "To uphold the principle of reciprocity between countries and to demonstrate a firm stance against China's interference in internal affairs, the National Assembly must promptly pass the Reciprocity Fair Election Act," and said, "I hope the Democratic Party will choose before the people whether to go to Samjeondo or to Independence Gate."

Regarding Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who recently met with Ambassador Xing, Rep. Kwon said, "The opposition party leader ranks eighth in South Korea's protocol order," and questioned, "No matter how much you dislike the government and ruling party, should you bow your head before interference in internal affairs that threatens your country's diplomatic line?"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.