Chinese State Media: "If Han Joins the Quad, Trust Will Be Damaged... Must Think Rationally"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] China's state media warned through an op-ed that if South Korea joins the 'Quad,' the anti-China security alliance among the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, the trust between South Korea and China will be destroyed.

On the 12th, the Global Times published an op-ed by Cheng Xiaohe, a professor at the School of International Relations at Renmin University of China, titled "South Korea Should Not Abandon Strategic Ambiguity in Joining the Quad," stating, "If South Korea joins the Quad, the strategic mutual trust between China and South Korea, which has just been restored, will inevitably be damaged," and pointed out that "South Korea should think rationally."

Professor Cheng expressed concern about South Korea's changing stance on the Quad.

A Blue House official said on the 10th, "Our government adheres to the principles of transparency, openness, and inclusiveness," and added, "If international norms are observed, we are open to cooperating with any regional cooperation body or initiative."

Professor Cheng evaluated that although South Korea, which had reacted negatively to joining the Quad during Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha's tenure, presented the principles of 'transparency, openness, and inclusiveness' as a premise, it has moved one step closer to the Quad.

He said that South Korea, which was previously negative about the Quad due to concerns about China's reaction, has now changed its stance as it can maintain a balance between China and the United States.

He emphasized, "It is a better choice for South Korea to maintain strategic ambiguity, but considering its relationship with the United States, the defense cost-sharing for U.S. Forces Korea, and participation in the Group of Seven (G7), South Korea might choose to abandon strategic ambiguity," and stressed, "South Korea needs to reconsider."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.