Remarks by Sing Haiming, Chinese Ambassador to Korea, Spark Diplomatic Faux Pas Controversy: "Means Not in Position to Evaluate Host Country's Actions" Clarification

Ambassador Singh Remarks at April 4 Press Briefing on South Korea's Limited Entry Ban: "I Will Not Highly Evaluate South Korea's Measures"

Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Korea, Xing Haiming, is holding a press conference related to the novel coronavirus on the 4th at the main building of the Chinese Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Regarding the remark by new Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming at a press briefing that "I will not highly evaluate Korea's measures," he clarified that it meant he is not in a position to evaluate the host country's actions as an ambassador stationed there.

On the 6th, Ambassador Xing met with Vice Foreign Minister Kim Geon at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Doryeom-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. He told reporters, "I meant that as an ambassador stationed in the host country, I am not in a position to publicly evaluate that country's measures," clarifying his previous statement.

At an unusually held press briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Korea on the 4th, Ambassador Xing mentioned in Korean regarding the Korean government's limited entry ban, "I will not highly evaluate it." This sparked criticism as a diplomatic faux pas.

Regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) in China, he stated that the situation is improving. Ambassador Xing emphasized, "We are controlling and managing it through various channels between China and Korea," adding, "We are communicating a lot to overcome this, and the situation is much improving now."

He again forecasted that the situation would improve within a week to ten days. Ambassador Xing said, "This is the assessment of top-level scientists that things are moving in a good direction," and that the situation will sequentially improve in a week to ten days. He added, "I am an ambassador who has warm feelings for Koreans," and said, "I would appreciate it if you believe that."

Meanwhile, Vice Minister Kim expressed condolences to Ambassador Xing for the victims of the novel coronavirus outbreak in China during his visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that day, wished for the swift resolution of the situation, and requested continued cooperation in protecting Korean nationals in China.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained, "After expressing gratitude for Vice Minister Kim's hospitality, Ambassador Xing explained that the Chinese government is actively responding to the novel coronavirus situation and expressed deep appreciation for Korea's support and cooperation related to the response."

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