Sing Haiming, Chinese Ambassador, Expresses Regret Over 'Taiwan Mention' Amid Praise for Korean Government's Efforts

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Xing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to Korea, once again expressed regret on the 26th over the mention of "Taiwan" in the joint statement of the Korea-US summit.

On the same day, Ambassador Xing appeared on MBC's 'Issue Complete Conquest' and, when asked to evaluate the Korea-US summit, said, "There is a somewhat disappointing feeling. For example, the Taiwan issue came up," adding, "Of course, the Korean side explained it, but for us, it is China's internal affair."

He added, "When Korea and China established diplomatic relations 29 years ago, it was already clearly recognized that Taiwan is a part of China."

Regarding the mention of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea in the joint statement, Ambassador Xing pointed out, "There is no problem with the right of passage (in the South China Sea), but it was expressed as if it would be good to guarantee the right of passage."

However, Ambassador Xing moderated his criticism overall by evaluating the efforts of the Korean government. Before evaluating the summit, he set the premise that "It is up to the Korean government to autonomously manage relations with the United States based on the consensus of the Korean people."

Regarding the point that Korea showed consideration by not explicitly naming China in the joint statement, he explained, "I also evaluate that they are making a lot of efforts. However, from China's perspective, it would be much better if (mentions of Taiwan, etc.) were not there at all; that is the meaning of some regret."

On Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Korea, he said, "Even now, COVID-19 is not yet fully stabilized, and there are various issues," adding, "I do not have much to say for sure right now. Sorry."

On the North Korean nuclear issue, he stated, "Our basic premise is denuclearization, peace, security, and resolving issues through dialogue," and added, "We will do our best to move in a good direction."

Regarding the possibility of US pressure on Korea-China advanced technology cooperation, he emphasized China's large market size and responded, "I think it would be appropriate for Korea to utilize such a market for economic development. Of course, there may be pressure, but I think they can judge their national interests and act accordingly."

On maintaining the Hanhanryeong (restrictions on Korean cultural content in China), he said, "It is true that the government did not impose restrictions, but the feelings of (Chinese) citizens are somewhat subdued," adding, "However, we already agreed three years ago to smoothly handle the THAAD issue between China and Korea."

Regarding the controversy over the origins of kimchi and hanbok between the two countries, he said, "The two countries have lived closely together for thousands of years and influenced each other in the process," adding, "It is somewhat regrettable to say now, 'This is yours, this is mine, this is not,' in that way."

He continued, "Some of it seems to be misunderstandings, and some people deliberately do that," adding, "Our government and embassy will also make efforts, but leading it in a good direction is good for the people."

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