Ambassador to China Visits Korean Residents in March in 'Arrested in Anti-Spy Act'

It has been confirmed that Jeong Jae-ho, Ambassador to China, visited a Korean citizen arrested by Chinese authorities on espionage charges in March and met him in person.

A high-ranking official of the Embassy of China told correspondents at the Beijing Embassy today that Ambassador Jeong went there on March 27 and met with the consul in person.

He added that they talked about whether there were human rights violations during the investigation process, their health conditions, and whether there were any necessary items.

Then, he explained that he understood that there was no human rights violation based on the evaluation of consular visits.

However, he said he could not elaborate on what kind of conversation he had, drawing the line that the Chinese authorities are controlled to prevent him from talking about the incident itself during the consular visit.

He said he talked to the detention center at least seven times about the payment of diabetes drugs taken by Korean residents in custody, but he kept saying that he could not give the drug because the fasting blood sugar test was normal.

When asked if diplomatic negotiations for release were also included within the scope of consular assistance, he replied that he had nothing to share.

He also said that there had been six consular meetings until September, and that no other cases have been detained or investigated on espionage charges.