Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming, Who Mentioned 'Betting' in Meeting with Lee Jae-myung, Likely to Be Replaced

Controversy Over Statement "You Will Regret Betting Against China"
Source: "Repatriation Order Issued for the 10th of Next Month"

Sing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to Korea who sparked controversy with his "betting" remarks, will soon be replaced. He frequently drew criticism for expressing China's unilateral stance in an unrefined manner. The recall order came at a time when Korea-China relations were entering a phase of recovery.

According to multiple diplomatic sources on the 28th, Ambassador Sing recently received an order from his home country to return and is preparing to depart. It is reported that the recall order was issued effective from the 10th of next month, and he is expected to return to China as early as next week.

Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming Photo by Yonhap News

Ambassador Sing Haiming is a diplomatic expert who has worked on inter-Korean affairs for about 20 years. He was appointed to Korea in January 2020. Fluent in Korean and well-connected within Korean society, expectations were high. However, in June last year, he caused controversy by stating during a meeting with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, that "those who bet on China's defeat (in the US-China competition) will surely regret it."

At that time, even the Blue House issued a warning, saying, "If the role as a bridge is inappropriate, it could harm the national interests of both the home and host countries." They also stated, "We will wait for appropriate measures," effectively demanding the ambassador's replacement, but China did not comply.

Since then, his external activities have noticeably decreased. There were ongoing calls to designate him as a persona non grata, and it is reported that he has had difficulties contacting officials in our government. The counterpart to the Chinese Ambassador in Korea is the First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, but after the controversial remarks, Jang Ho-jin, then First Vice Minister, summoned him to protest, and there have been no official meetings between the ambassador and the vice minister since.

The successor has not yet been decided. Once Ambassador Sing returns home, Fang Kun, the Charg? d'Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Korea, is expected to serve as the acting ambassador.