Seoul, South Korea - South Korea has summoned China's top envoy to express its strong protest against his recent "provocative" remarks regarding United States-South Korea relations. The South Korean government accused the envoy of interfering in its internal affairs by making statements that undermine bilateral relations. The move highlights the growing tension between the two Asian nations.
Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming's comments came during a meeting with South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung on Thursday. Xing urged South Korea to distance itself from external influences when handling relations with China. He argued that China-ROK relations were facing significant difficulties, placing the blame squarely on the United States.
"The United States is trying its best to suppress China. Some people bet that the United States will win and China will lose," Xing stated. "Those who bet against China will regret it in the future." The ambassador also emphasized the importance of the Taiwan issue to China's interests, calling on South Korea to respect China's stance on the matter.
South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin responded swiftly, condemning Xing's remarks as a violation of diplomatic protocol and a potential interference in internal affairs. Chang issued a stern warning to the Chinese envoy, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and adherence to diplomatic norms.
Foreign Minister Park Jin also echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment in Xing's actions. Park condemned the ambassador's comments, stating that he had "gone too far." He emphasized that diplomats should focus on fostering friendship and understanding rather than spreading misunderstandings.
In response to the South Korean government's strong reaction, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin defended Ambassador Xing's statements. Wang claimed that it was part of Xing's responsibility to engage extensively with the South Korean government, political parties, and various groups. He argued that the ambassador's aim was to exchange views on bilateral relations and China's concerns.
The disagreement between South Korea and China highlights the underlying tensions in the region. China has persistently claimed Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to reunify the island with the mainland, using any means necessary. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has previously expressed opposition to any attempts to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
The strained relations between South Korea and China, exacerbated by Xing's remarks, have raised concerns about the future of bilateral cooperation. Both nations have strong economic ties, but the latest diplomatic incident threatens to impact various areas of collaboration.
As the situation develops, South Korea will likely seek to restore normalcy in its relations with China, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and adherence to diplomatic principles. However, resolving the underlying differences and finding common ground on issues like Taiwan will pose a significant challenge for both countries in the coming months.
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