'Sing Haiming's "Betting Remarks" Departure... Ambassador to Korea Post Vacant
China: "Korea is an Important Country, Appropriate Appointment to be Made"'
Korean and Chinese diplomatic authorities shared the opinion that the appointment of the new Chinese Ambassador to Korea should be someone who can continue the momentum of improvement between the two countries. The Chinese side stated, "Since Korea is an important country, we will appoint an appropriate and excellent person."
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained the results of the Korea-China Deputy Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue held in Seoul the previous day to reporters on the 25th, conveying this message. The official said, "The Korean side emphasized that the role of the Ambassador to Korea is important as this is a period when Korea-China communication is smooth, close, and frequent." When Korea requested that a suitable successor be selected, the Chinese side responded by saying they would find an 'excellent person.'
Kim Hong-kyun, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ma Zhaoxu, Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, shake hands before the Korea-China Vice Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building on the 24th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun and Ma Zhaoxu, Executive Vice Minister of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met in Seoul the previous day and exchanged views on bilateral issues and the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Ma Zhaoxu is the most senior among the four Executive Vice Ministers of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is responsible for the United States and Russia. This strategic dialogue was the first face-to-face meeting between the two sides in 7 years and 1 month since June 2017, and the first overall meeting in 2 years and 7 months since the virtual meeting in December 2021.
With Ambassador Xing Haiming to Korea stepping down in mid-month, the position of Chinese Ambassador to Korea is currently vacant. Ambassador Xing caused a stir last June when the Yoon Suk-yeol administration emphasized the Korea-US alliance, making a statement that "those betting on China's defeat will surely regret it." Since he was considered a 'Korea expert' but caused issues, there is speculation that his successor might be someone with experience in the United States or Japan.
When asked about the nomination, appointment timing, or selection direction of the successor, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official refrained from commenting, saying, "It is not appropriate to mention the internal procedures of the Chinese government." The official also explained that during this strategic dialogue, there was a 'mention' from the Chinese side regarding cooperation between Korea and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), and Vice Minister Kim clearly stated Korea's position that cooperation with NATO is necessary concerning North Korean issues.
Meanwhile, Korea and China will hold the 'Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Review Meeting,' a director-general level consultative body between Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China's Ministry of Commerce, in Beijing next week.
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