Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Yong-joon called Ambassador Ning in to the ministry, Foreign Ministry spokesman Moon Tae-young said. “The deputy minister wished China every success with the Beijing Olympics but expressed strong regret over the violent acts committed by some young Chinese residents in Seoul on Sunday."

A Foreign Ministry official said the envoy apologized and expressed his sympathy with Korean police officers and reporters who were injured in the violence. The violence against police officers “should not have happened,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ning delivered verbal messages of thanks to the government from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi for cooperating in the Olympic torch relay.

In a meeting with reporters, Ning said, "I believe Sunday's torch relay was a great success. The Chinese government is thankful to the Korean people for their understanding of and their support for the event.

(englishnews@chosun.com )