Ministry of Foreign Affairs: China has urged South Korea to promptly investigate the cause of the fire accident and make every effort to treat the injured.

China News reported on June 26th, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website, spokesperson Mao Ning stated at the regular press conference held on the 25th that China has asked South Korea to promptly investigate the cause of the fire incident, make every effort to treat the injured, handle the aftermath properly, and provide assistance to the families of Chinese casualties.

Mao Ning introduced that, according to the South Korean side, a major fire occurred on June 24th at a battery manufacturing plant in Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, resulting in 22 people killed. Preliminary judgments include 17 Chinese citizens among the victims, with specific information still requiring further confirmation. The fire also caused injuries to 8 people, including one Chinese citizen with minor injuries who has received timely treatment. The South Korean side is still further investigating and confirming the specific cause of the fire and the casualties. "We express deep condolences for the unfortunate victims in the accident and extend sincere condolences to the injured and the families of the victims."

Mao Ning said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the significant casualties of Chinese personnel caused by the fire. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in South Korea have activated the consular protection emergency mechanism at the first moment, making every effort to deal with the emergency and aftermath of the accident. "Ambassador Xing Haiming rushed to the fire scene overnight to understand the situation of the accident, search and rescue progress, and post-accident arrangements on the spot, and listened to the introduction of the South Korean competent department. China has asked the South Korean side to find out the cause of the accident as soon as possible, make every effort to treat the injured, handle the aftermath properly, and provide assistance to the families of Chinese casualties. We will continue to make every effort to do the follow-up work."

The occurrence of this fire accident not only brought great sorrow to the families of the victims but also attracted high attention from the Chinese government and all sectors of society. The speech of Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reflects the Chinese government's high regard and determination to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens overseas and the deep concern for the victims and their families.

After the accident, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea acted quickly, maintaining close communication with relevant departments in South Korea to coordinate rescue and aftermath work. Ambassador Xing Haiming personally went to the scene of the accident, showing the sense of responsibility and mission of Chinese diplomats. His actions are not only a concern for the victims and the injured but also a comfort and support for the families of the victims.

In this fire accident, the casualties of Chinese citizens are particularly distressing. Each victim was a pillar of the family and a concern for relatives. Their unfortunate death undoubtedly brought an irreparable loss to the family. The injured Chinese citizens are also experiencing physical and mental pain and need timely and effective treatment.

The Chinese government and relevant departments will spare no effort to provide necessary help and support to the families of the victims, including assisting in handling aftermath matters and providing psychological counseling. At the same time, we will also maintain close communication with the South Korean side to jointly investigate and confirm the cause of the accident, so as to give the victims and the injured a fair account.

In addition, this fire accident also sounded an alarm for us, reminding us to further strengthen the safety education and protection work for Chinese citizens overseas. We need to be vigilant, take effective measures, prevent similar accidents, and ensure the safety and rights of every Chinese citizen overseas.

Finally, we once again express deep condolences for the Chinese citizens who unfortunately died in this fire accident and extend sincere condolences to the injured and the families of the victims. We believe that with the joint efforts of China and South Korea, the cause of the accident will be found out as soon as possible, the aftermath work will be properly handled, and the families of the victims will receive the care and support they deserve.

The Chinese government will continue to pay attention to this matter, go all out to do the follow-up work, and provide necessary help and support to the families of the victims and the injured. We also hope that the South Korean side will attach great importance to this matter, take effective measures, ensure that similar accidents do not happen again, and jointly maintain the life safety and well-being of the people of both countries.