China South Korea Photo:VCG

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong met South Korean Ambassador to China Chung Jae-ho on Saturday to raise serious concerns and express dissatisfaction regarding the inappropriate reaction of South Korea to the recent meeting between the Chinese Ambassador to South Korea and the leader of South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party.

Nong elaborated on China’s views and position on the current China-South Korea relationship, emphasizing that it is within the Chinese ambassador’s responsibilities to engage in extensive contact and exchanges with various sectors of the South Korean society. The purpose of these interactions is to enhance understanding, promote cooperation and promote the development of China-South Korea relations.
 
Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming held a meeting on June 8 with Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party, according to the Yonhap News Agency. During the meeting, Xing stressed that the current bilateral relations face considerable difficulties, but that the responsibility does not lie with China.

The ruling People Power Party of South Korea later criticized Xing’s remarks. South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin called in Xing on June 9 to issue a protest, saying comments made by the envoy as “unreasonable and provocative” and a possible interference in internal affairs, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Nong hoped that the South Korean side would deeply reflect on the problems that impact the China-South Korea relationship and take them seriously. It is expected that they will effectively abide by the spirit of the 1992 joint communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea, move toward each other with mutual understanding and make joint efforts to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.
 
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday that the current difficulties and challenges in China-South Korea relations were not caused by China. Relevant parties in South Korea should put this into perspective and focus on how to handle problems and realize the stability and growth of China-South Korea relations, Wang noted.

Global Times