South Korea's Diplomatic Power Tested Amid Taiwan Fallout from Korea-US Summit

[Asia Economy Reporters Inho Yoo and Jieun Lee] Tensions are rising again in the Northeast Asia region as China immediately reacted against the mention of the "Taiwan issue" in the joint statement of the South Korea-U.S. summit.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although the situation was fully anticipated by both South Korea and the U.S., when China’s response came out, the U.S. side took the stance that "it is a matter for the South Korean government to handle," effectively passing the ball to our government.

According to diplomatic sources on the 25th, after the Taiwan issue was mentioned in the joint statement of the South Korea-U.S. summit, various countries have issued different interpretations and positions, causing aftershocks.

The South Korea-U.S. leaders held a joint press conference on the 21st (local time) and subsequently released a joint statement emphasizing the importance of the Quad, freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, and maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait.

After the joint statement was announced, concerns arose in South Korea that "China would feel displeased." In response to these concerns, the Blue House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively provided explanations.

A senior Blue House official, when asked by reporters on the 24th whether explanations were given to the Chinese side regarding the joint statement, drew a line by saying, "Although the Taiwan Strait-related content was included in the statement for the first time, considering the special nature of cross-strait relations, we expressed our consistent and principled basic position that regional stability is also important to us."

He also added, "We have maintained necessary communication with the Chinese side through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding President Moon’s visit to the U.S."

Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong also appeared on TV that evening and said, "We expect China to understand our government’s position," and "We maintain close communication with China not only today but always."

However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated at a regular briefing the day before, "The Taiwan issue is purely China’s internal affair, and no external forces’ interference will be tolerated," adding, "Relevant countries should be cautious in their words and actions regarding the Taiwan issue and must not play with fire." This was a direct criticism of the mention of the Taiwan issue at the South Korea-U.S. summit.

That said, some analysts note that the tone was somewhat milder compared to the criticism following the U.S.-Japan summit message.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming also expressed regret toward the South Korean government during a seminar on "100 Years of the Chinese Communist Party and China’s Development," saying, "Although the word ‘China’ was not mentioned, we are not unaware that it is aimed at China."

In this situation, concerns and criticisms have been raised in the U.S. about the possibility of a military conflict breaking out.

John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, said at a briefing on the 24th (local time) regarding the mention of Taiwan in the South Korea-U.S. joint statement, when asked what would be expected of South Korea if a military conflict occurred in the Taiwan Strait, "That is something the South Korean government should address," emphasizing, "Our policy regarding Taiwan has not changed."

Shin Beom-chul, head of the Foreign and Security Center at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, said, "Although China is not in a position to easily pressure South Korea over the Taiwan issue, since the reactions of related countries are sensitive, it will be difficult to leave South Korea, which aligns with the U.S. line, as is," adding, "Because retaliatory measures may come from China, the South Korean government must prepare for and make efforts to prevent them."

Regarding the intent behind the U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson’s remarks, it was analyzed that "rather than shifting post-event measures to South Korea, it may be because there is no agreement yet between South Korea and the U.S. on how to respond in case of a military conflict."

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