Ministry of Foreign Affairs: China Responds 'Reviewing Solutions' to National Museum Exhibition

Beyond Academic Dimensions, Impact on Our Citizens' Perception of China
Chinese Side Reviews Solutions to Prevent Negative Effects on Bilateral Relations

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] On the 15th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that China responded with “internal review of solutions” regarding the controversy over the China National Museum exhibition, which omitted the contents of Goguryeo and Balhae from the timeline.

At the regular briefing on the same day, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Spokesperson An Eun-joo said, “The Chinese side also recognizes the seriousness of this issue and is internally reviewing solutions to ensure that this matter does not negatively affect bilateral relations.”

When asked what measures the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had taken, Deputy Spokesperson An replied, “This issue goes beyond an academic matter and is an important issue that could affect bilateral relations and the perception of our people toward China.”

She added, “In addition to communication between the national museums of both countries, which are the main organizers of the special exhibition, we have repeatedly and sternly raised the issue with the Chinese side through various diplomatic channels and urged prompt corrective measures. We will continue to actively respond while closely cooperating with related ministries and agencies,” emphasizing the Ministry’s stance.

The China National Museum in Beijing has been holding the exhibition ‘Eastern Auspicious Metals - Ancient Bronzes of Korea, China, and Japan’ since July, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan.

The exhibition is jointly participated in by the National Museum of Korea and the Tokyo National Museum of Japan.

The Korean historical timeline provided by the National Museum of Korea included the founding years of Goguryeo and Balhae, but these were omitted in the actual exhibition at the China National Museum, causing controversy.

The National Museum of Korea announced through a press release on the same day that it informed the Chinese side of its policy to withdraw Korean exhibits early if corrections are not made, and that related staff will travel to China to discuss the matter.