China defends detention of South Korean soccer player Son Jun-ho

(23 Nov 2023) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Beijing - 23 November 2023 1. Wide of news conference 2. Journalists 3. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson: “The individual concerned was arrested in accordance with the law on suspicion of taking bribes by non-state employees. For the specific progress of the case, I would refer you to the competent Chinese authorities. China is a country under the rule of law, and we handle cases in strict accordance with the law and protect the legitimate rights and interests of the individuals concerned in accordance with the law.” 4. Journalists 5. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson: “President Xi Jinping pointed out that the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima into the sea has a bearing on human health, the global marine environment and international public interests. The Japanese side should take the legitimate concerns at home and abroad seriously and handle it (water discharge) appropriately in a responsible and constructive manner. The two sides also agreed to find an appropriate way to resolve the issue of Fukushima’s nuclear-contaminated water discharge through consultation and negotiation in a constructive manner.” 6. Wide of news conference STORYLINE: China on Thursday defended its ongoing detention of South Korean soccer player Son Jun-ho after his coach called for his early release. Son, who has played for Chinese Super League club Shandong Taishan since 2021, has reportedly been in custody in the northeastern Chinese province of Liaoning since May on suspicion of accepting bribes. Jurgen Klinsmann, the head coach of the South Korean national men’s football team, had said on Wednesday he hoped China could release Son in time for Christmas. Asked about the case at a daily news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning gave no updates, stating it would be handled within “strict accordance with the law“. Mao also echoed comments from Chinese President Xi Jinping calling on Japan to take on board international concerns about the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Her comments came after Natsuo Yamaguchi, the leader of Japan’s Komeito political party, a partner in the ruling coalition government, visited China with the aim of repairing ties on the issue. China has lambasted Japan’s discharge that began in late August and slapped a sweeping ban on Japanese seafood imports ever since. Mao said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Yamaguchi had agreed to continue “constructive“ negotiations on the issue. =========================================================== Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel 44(0)2074827482 Email: info@. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: