Amid rising tensions, China ready for ‘war’ with South Korea – on the football pitch at least
‘Unprecedented security’ expected for World Cup qualifier in Hunan province as relations between countries deteriorate over THAAD anti-missile system
Amid rising tensions between China and South Korea, there will be “unprecedented” security for Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier between the two countries in Hunan province’s Changsha.
Reports in Chinese media said security preparations for the match – a must-win if China are to keep slim qualification hopes alive – were unlike anything experienced football reporters in the country had seen before.
Some 30 police officers were in attendance just for South Korea’s training sessions this week – about a 1:1 ratio between officers and members of the squad – and the Korean embassy in Beijing has issued a safety warning to travelling fans.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since South Korea agreed with the United States to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) anti-missile system in the country.
They say THAAD is for defence against North Korea, but Chinese officials believe it is a security threat to China.
Beijing has retaliated with higher trade barriers against Korean companies and a de facto ban on tour groups to Korea.
