In the meeting, Prime Minister Han Seung-soo called for dealing with the violence “according to law and principle.” "Our national pride has been hurt considerably by the incident, so legal and diplomatic measures to restore national pride will have to follow," Shin quoted Han as saying.

Justice Minister Kim Kyung-han said, "We are carefully analyzing video footage of the illicit demonstrations, evidence obtained by police, CCTV tapes from major hotels, and photos or video images taken by ordinary citizens." He vowed to "punish those involved in illicit and violent rallies regardless of nationality."

Police disperse Tibetans living in Korea who protest against China’s crackdown in Tibet, in front of Seoul City Hall on Sunday, when the Olympic torch passed though Seoul. /Newsis

The Foreign Ministry already called in Chinese Ambassador to Seoul Ning Fukui on Monday to express regret over the incident. The ministry said Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Yong-joon will also complain to the Chinese government when he arrives in Beijing to discuss President Lee Myung-bak's visit to China. The deputy minister left Seoul on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government has merely expressed "sympathy" with South Korean victims of the Chinese demonstrators' violence, stopping short of an apology for violence against Koreans, foreigners, police officers and reporters during the Olympic torch relay in Seoul.

In a briefing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said, "It was an action for justice by well-meaning Chinese students who tried to prevent Tibetan secessionists from obstructing the Olympic torch relay for the Beijing Olympics. Their motive was well meant, but their action became violent. The Chinese government expresses sympathy with the victims of the violence."

When reporters asked if the Chinese government had no intention to apologize to the Korean people, Jiang merely said, "Chinese people on the scene were well-meaning …. But their action for justice became violent when they tried to deter Tibetan secessionists from obstructing the Olympic torch relay."

Jiang said the torch relay “proceeded amid warm welcome and cooperation from the South Korean government and people. The Chinese government is thankful for their interest, support and their friendly sentiment to the Beijing Olympics."

(englishnews@chosun.com )