China's Different Reactions to Japan and South Korea Attending NATO: "Important Partners" vs. "Reflect on History"

Zhao Lijian, Spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] China showed different reactions to South Korea and Japan, which attended the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was asked by reporters during a regular briefing on the 1st to comment on the attendance of the South Korean and Japanese leaders at the NATO summit and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's remark about the "inseparability of security between Europe and East Asia."

Regarding Japan, Spokesperson Zhao said, "They verbally oppose 'unilateral changes to the status quo by force,' but in reality, they are seeking justification for their own military expansion," adding, "If they truly desire peace and stability in East Asia, they should sincerely reflect on their militaristic invasion history and take it as a serious lesson."

He continued, "Japan's intention to be at the forefront of NATO's Asia-Pacific expansion is entirely driven by selfish interests and is rooted in Cold War thinking," and stated, "Acts that undermine regional peace, stability, unity, and cooperation will face opposition from the Chinese people and the peoples of East Asian countries and will not achieve their goals."

Spokesperson Zhao emphasized, "China will closely monitor NATO's related developments in the future and will not stand idly by if situations arise that harm China's interests."

Regarding South Korea, he explained, "China and South Korea are both important countries in Asia and important cooperative partners with broad common interests."

Zhao stressed, "Both sides must continuously strive to advance their strategic cooperative partnership in line with the times and work together for peace, stability, and development in Asia."

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also deleted the part defining Japan as a cooperative partner in the spokesperson's briefing record from the previous day.