China Opposes Exclusive Bloc Formation in South Korea's Indo-Pacific Strategy

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] The Chinese government stated that it "opposes the creation of exclusive groups" in response to South Korea's Indo-Pacific strategy announced on the 28th.

According to Xinhua News and others on the same day, Wang Wenbin (汪文斌), spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made this comment during a regular press conference regarding the final report of the 'Indo-Pacific Strategy for Freedom, Peace, and Prosperity' (Indo-Pacific Strategy) announced by the South Korean presidential office.

Spokesperson Wang said, "China advocates that all countries unite and cooperate to jointly promote regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity, and opposes exclusive small groups as it aligns with the common interests of regional countries." He added, "We hope South Korea will actively contribute, along with China, to leading the healthy and stable development of China-Korea relations and to promoting peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region."

The final report of the Indo-Pacific Strategy concretizes the 'Indo-Pacific Strategy' announced by President Yoon Seok-yeol on the occasion of the Korea-ASEAN Summit held on the 11th of last month. According to the report, the South Korean government defines China as "a key partner in achieving prosperity and peace in the Indo-Pacific region" and stated that "South Korea will pursue mutual interests based on international norms and rules, mutual respect, and reciprocity with China, while working to realize a healthier and more mature China-Korea relationship."