China's First Position on Impeachment... "Korea is an Important Neighbor and Cooperation Partner"

Avoid Direct Commentary and State a Principled Position

The Chinese government stated on the 16th that "South Korea is an important neighboring country and a friendly cooperative partner of China" in a principled stance regarding the impeachment turmoil of President Yoon Suk-yeol.

On the same day, Lin Zhen, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a regular briefing, said that they are "paying attention to the changes in the South Korean political situation" related to President Yoon's impeachment turmoil but avoided direct comments by stating, "We will not comment on South Korea's internal affairs."

He continued, "South Korea is an important neighboring country and a friendly cooperative partner of China, and promoting the healthy and stable development of China-South Korea relations aligns with the common interests of both countries," adding, "China's policy towards South Korea remains consistent and stable."

Spokesperson Lin added, "We hope South Korea will actively make efforts to face China and deepen the friendly, cooperative, and strategic partnership between the two countries."

Since the emergency martial law declaration by President Yoon on the 3rd, China has been reporting on the South Korean situation moment by moment through state-run media. However, the official government stance has maintained the principle of "not commenting as it is South Korea's internal affair."

Major countries such as the United States have issued statements following the passage of the impeachment motion against President Yoon in the National Assembly on the 14th. However, the Chinese government remained reserved and avoided direct comments even at the regular briefing on this day.