China `seriously mulling` release of 4 S.Korean activists

Visiting Chinese Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu said in Seoul Friday that China is "seriously considering" the release of four South Korean activists in Chinese custody in consideration of bilateral ties.

In a meeting with South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Kim Sung-hwan, Meng was responding to Kim, who said, “I`d like to urge China to resolve the issue as soon as possible by considering the massive interest of Koreans in the matter.”

A government source in Seoul said, “We expect the issue will be resolved in days,” hinting at the imminent release of the activists.

They will reportedly be released most likely through their non-indictment by Chinese authorities followed by their deportation.

Asked at the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs, trade and unification meeting Friday by Korea`s main opposition Democratic United Party Rep. Hong Ik-pyo on whether activist Kim Young-hwan and others will be released this weekend, Minister Kim said, “The timing isn`t definite but there is a chance that they`ll be released.” South Korea`s top diplomat also denied that Kim Young-hwan conducted activities related to the Korean government.

Separately, South Korea will not hand over a Chinese national, 38, in custody for throwing a Molotov cocktail at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul in return for Kim Young-hwan`s release. A government source in Seoul said Meng did not mention this to Minister Kim.

“Since the Chinese national was sentenced to 10 months in prison and is undergoing trial due to a prosecutor’s appeal of a lower court ruling, it is impossible to link his release with the release of South Koreans by China,” the source said.

“He is suspected of committing a crime in Japan, and Tokyo is also demanding that Seoul extradite him. As such, if he completes his prison term in South Korea, he will be handled according to the South Korea-Japan treaty on criminal repatriation.”

Receiving Meng the same day, President Lee Myung-bak also urged Chinese cooperation to ensure that South Koreans can stay safely in China.

shcho@donga.com