Chinese Media Emphasizes Korean Reader Diplomacy... "Cultural Exchange Important for Improving Bilateral Relations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Ahead of the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations, the two countries held a foreign ministers' meeting, with Chinese media emphasizing the importance of a more 'independent and stable' relationship.

On the 10th, the Global Times, the English edition of the Chinese state-run media Huanqiu Shibao, reported that at the foreign ministers' meeting held the previous day in Qingdao, China, Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, urged that the two countries maintain independence and autonomy and avoid influence from external forces. Minister Park's visit to China is the first visit by a high-ranking official since the Yoon Suk-yeol administration took office in May.

This is interpreted as expressing dissatisfaction with South Korea's consideration of joining the 'Chip 4' semiconductor supply chain alliance led by the Biden administration. According to local media, Foreign Minister Park Jin said, "Let us overcome new challenges together through stable management of the supply chain."

The meeting also mentioned the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) issue. The foreign ministers confirmed their differences on the THAAD issue but reportedly agreed that this should not become an obstacle to bilateral relations. The Global Times noted, "This is now two weeks before the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations (August 24)," adding, "Minister Park's visit to China took place at a critical juncture in the Korea-China relationship, not only regarding the THAAD issue but also issues such as the U.S.-led Chip 4 alliance, which aims to erect semiconductor barriers."

The newspaper further cited an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reporting that "Wang Yi said, 'The relationship between the two countries 30 years from now should be more mature, independent, and stable,' and that China and South Korea are neighbors sharing common security and partners who need each other's help." Da Zegang, Director of the Northeast Asia Research Institute at the Heilongjiang Academy of Social Sciences, assessed that "Wang's remarks remind South Korea to maintain an independent diplomacy when facing pressure from the United States."

He also noted that how to handle the THAAD issue will be a major challenge for President Yoon, emphasizing that the deployment of THAAD previously angered the Chinese public and led to the worst relations between the two countries in decades.

The Global Times quoted Liu Qiao, a Korean Peninsula expert at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, saying, "The two countries have a deep understanding of each other's nations and cultures," interpreting this as meaning "the two countries are very optimistic about future people-to-people exchanges." It added, "One of the best ways is to strengthen cultural exchanges such as music, movies, and TV dramas that deeply engage the lives of ordinary people."