Chinese Ambassador Xing: On ROK-US Joint Exercises and Inter-Korean Conflict, "Same Nation Should Strive for Harmony"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Sing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to Korea, said on the 11th regarding North Korea's strong backlash after the start of the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, "Since we are the same people, I hope we all try to make things better for each other."

On the same day, Ambassador Sing made this remark in response to a related question at the Korea-China Experts Forum commemorating the 29th anniversary of diplomatic relations, held at Somerset Palace Seoul.

Ambassador Sing emphasized, "In these complicated times, I hope everyone makes efforts to contribute to peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula."

In his congratulatory speech at the forum, Ambassador Sing stated, "China will continue to play a constructive role," and added, "We support South Korea's efforts to improve inter-Korean relations and will work together with South Korea to promote denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the realization of lasting peace."

He also explained, "I hope that Korea and China strengthen communication and coordination, leverage each other's strengths, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation," and added, "I hope we actively find effective ways to appropriately resolve the Korean Peninsula issue based on the 'parallel tracks' initiative and the principles of phased and simultaneous approaches."

The 'parallel tracks' approach, which proposes conducting the Korean Peninsula denuclearization process and the North Korea-U.S. peace agreement negotiations simultaneously, along with the 'double suspension' (雙中斷) calling for the simultaneous halt of North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations and South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, represent China's fundamental stance on the North Korean nuclear issue.

Former Chinese Ambassador to Korea Zhu Guohong said, "Each country's relationship with the U.S. should not hinder the normal development of Korea-China relations," and added, "In the face of the complex strategic competition between the U.S. and China, I believe South Korea will make its own judgment based on national interests and will not easily take sides."

He continued, "The problem is that the U.S. will demand South Korea choose a side between the U.S. and China and cooperate with the U.S.'s containment strategy against China," and explained, "South Korea certainly faces difficulties in responding to this, and China is somewhat concerned about this."

He further stated, "As in the past, China will not ask South Korea to choose between China and the U.S. in the future, nor will it hinder the normal development of South Korea-U.S. relations," and added, "South Korean friends can rest assured."

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