China’s South Korean envoy warns of ‘wrong bets’ on Sino-U.S. rivalry. The Chinese ambassador in Seoul urged Seoul to cease “decoupling” from China and reestablish economic and diplomatic ties, saying South Korea may be making “wrong bets” in the Sino-U.S. competition.
During a late Thursday discussion with Lee Jae-Myung, chairman of South Korea’s largest opposition party, Xing Haiming criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol for favoring the U.S. alliance over relations with China, its top trading partner.
Xing accused Seoul of “difficulties” in bilateral relations by failing to respect Beijing’s key interests, especially Taiwan, while influenced by the U.S.
China-South Korean relations are problematic. According to the embassy, “China is not to blame.” “We hope the South Korean side will faithfully keep its promise and respect China’s core concerns, such as the Taiwan issue.”
Xing warned against “wrong judgment” on China due to “interference of external factors” like U.S. pressure.
Some wagered that the U.S. would win and China would suffer when it pressed China. “This is a bad judgment and a failure to understand history,” he remarked. “I can assure you, those who bet on China’s defeat will regret it.”
Yoon’s office and Seoul’s foreign ministry didn’t reply to calls for comment.
In April, Seoul and Beijing clashed over Yoon’s views on Taiwan, which China claims.
Yoon told Reuters that he opposed forceful regime change in Taiwan, which was escalating tensions.
Xing said South Korea’s trade deficits have grown due to its efforts to “decouple” from China, but it may “enjoy the bonus” from Chinese economic growth if its faith in bilateral ties is restored.
“The two countries have built an inextricable economic structure in which their industrial and supply chains are closely connected,” he said.
