Yoon’s office did not immediately comment on the Yonhap report but a presidential official said Xing had made “distorted” remarks and the government was awaiting “appropriate measures” by China.
South Korea has been a staunch US ally for decades and is host to nearly some 28,000 US troops but it has developed extensive economic ties with China in recent years.
China’s foreign ministry called in South Korea’s ambassador on Saturday to express its “serious concern and dissatisfaction” over Seoul’s “improper reaction” to Xing’s comment.
On Tuesday, it was more conciliatory.
Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China regretted some South Korean media reports that had been “inconsistent with the facts” in reporting Xing’s comments and had even attacked him personally but he also stressed the benefit of good ties.
“Promoting the healthy and stable development of China–South Korea relations serves the common interests of both sides. We hope that the Republic of Korea will meet China halfway,” Wang told a regular press conference.
A growing number of legislators from Yoon’s ruling party have been calling for Xing to be declared “persona non grata” and expelled.
“If Ambassador Xing does not issue an official apology and continues his rude behaviour, we should consider taking steps to banish him,” said Kim Seok-ki, a member of parliament’s foreign affairs committee.
Foreign Minister Park Jin said on Monday Xing’s remarks violated the Vienna Convention governing diplomats’ duties including promoting friendly relations.
When asked about declaring Xing persona non grata, Park said the ministry had “clearly warned that he would be responsible for all consequences”.
Xing has decades of experience working in both South and North Korea.