Japan Wary of Korea-China Summit: "China Aims to Drive a Wedge Between Korea and Japan"

President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping shaking hands at the Korea-China MOU signing ceremony held on the 5th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo by Yonhap News

On January 5, President Lee Jaemyung held a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, while voices of caution have emerged from Japan.

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on President Lee's state visit to China, noting that the occasion is likely to mark an improvement in Korea-China relations, which had cooled around 2016 following the decision to deploy THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense).

The newspaper also stated, "China has increased pressure on Japan following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding a 'Taiwan contingency,' and is treating Korea favorably in an attempt to drive a wedge between Korea and Japan."

NHK interpreted the situation as follows: "While China continues to criticize Japan, it appears to be seeking to strengthen relations with Korea so that the two countries can align their positions on issues such as Taiwan and historical perceptions."

Previously, Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun at the end of last month. According to NHK, Wang stated, "Some political forces in Japan are attempting to reverse history," and expressed his belief that "Korea will take a responsible attitude toward history and the people and adopt the correct position."

However, Kyodo News reported, "Amid ongoing tensions between China and Japan, President Lee Jaemyung is being received as a state guest by Xi Jinping's leadership, which is attempting to draw Korea to its side. However, President Lee appears intent on avoiding taking sides with either China or Japan and is seeking to maintain an equal distance from both. The diplomatic tug-of-war has continued even before his visit to China."