Korea-China relations deteriorates over Chinese ambassador’s comments

Chinese Ambassador to Seoul Xing Haiming [Photo by Lee Seung-hwan]

Relations between South Korea and China are deteriorating over Chinese Ambassador to Seoul Xing Haiming’s recent criticism of Korea’s foreign policy as President Yoon Suk Yeol personally criticized his behavior and the Chinese Foreign Ministry took issue with Korean media reports on the envoy.

“Judging from Xing’s attitude, it is questionable whether he has the attitude of mutual respect or promoting friendship as a diplomat,” said Yoon during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. “Our people are offended by Xing’s inappropriate behavior.”

In a related development, a senior presidential official said that the top Chinese diplomat in South Korea, Xing, has a duty to strive for good-neighborly relations by resolving problematic issues in private and publicly displaying friendly relations between the two countries in keeping with the Vienna Convention. “We’re waiting for the Chinese side to carefully consider the issue and to take appropriate measures,” he said.

In a press briefing Tuesday, meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin raised questions about Korean media reports and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Xing.

“Along with Seoul’s position calling for measures against Xing, we are paying attention to some media outlets reporting mud-slinging speculations on Xing, which have nothing to do with facts. We express our regret,” Wang said. “It is part of Xing’s job to engage extensively with people from various walks of life in Korea, with an aim to advance bilateral relations. I would like to stress again that this issue should not be a major topic to be highlighted in a big way.”