"Will Sink Chinese Fishing Boats," "Korea Bowed to China"... Political Circles Fueling 'Anti-China Sentiment'

Rising Anti-China Sentiment... Political Circles Also Target China Simultaneously
Embassy of China in Korea "Politicians Turning Arrows Toward China... Serious Concerns"
Experts "Statements May Be Made for Votes, But Future National Interest Must Be Considered"

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate (left), and Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Domestic anti-China sentiment has reached its peak due to the controversy over biased judging at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The political sphere, ahead of the elections, seems to be aware of this anti-China sentiment and has been issuing strong messages targeting China in unison every day.

However, the Chinese government has directly expressed displeasure and regret over this, escalating the anti-China sentiment into a political issue. Some critics argue that politicians, ahead of the elections, are rushing to ride the wave of anti-China sentiment to gain votes.

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, stated in an interview with a media outlet on the 8th that regarding diplomacy with China, "I will say what needs to be said," and took a tough stance on the issue of illegal fishing by Chinese vessels, saying, "It is an illegal intrusion into territorial waters, and such vessels should be sunk." He added, "Would we have tolerated Somali (fishing vessels)? I will respond clearly and equally."

Regarding the Beijing Olympics judging controversy, Lee said, "It is very disappointing, and I share the anger felt by our people," targeting China by saying, "The Chinese sports authorities need to reflect on the biased judging." He strongly criticized, "What should be a stage for global harmony is turning into a neighborhood party for China."

Lee's "sinking" remark drew criticism from the opposition, accusing him of trying to ride the anti-China sentiment. Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party presidential candidate, wrote on Facebook on the 9th, "The use of force against civilian fishing vessels is limited to indirect use for the seizure of illegal ships or defense against attacks. An unconditional sinking response would heighten tensions between countries and could risk a localized war."

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, said in an interview on YTN Radio's "Hwang Bo-seon's Start of a New Morning," "It seems Lee tried to ride the trend by saying he would sink Chinese fishing vessels over the Olympic dispute," adding, "I am a bit worried. While we are not supposed to deploy THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) because of China, saying we will sink Chinese fishing vessels for illegal fishing is like declaring war."

On the 9th, an anti-China rally was held near the Chinese Embassy, organized by the Nara Jikimi High School Union and the Freedom Protection Forum, advocating against the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors by China and calling for the resolution of human rights issues. A participant is showing an image with the phrase "Eyes Open, Nose Cut Beijing," criticizing the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Photo by Yonhap News.

However, the opposition is not much different in issuing tough remarks against China. Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate, mentioned China's economic sanctions following the 2016 decision to deploy THAAD in South Korea in an article published on the 8th in the American foreign affairs magazine 'Foreign Affairs,' stating, "South Korea has succumbed to China's economic sanctions, sacrificing security interests. We will maintain the principle of not compromising on core security interests."

Regarding the rising anti-China sentiment over the Beijing Olympics, Yoon connected the judging controversy to China's Northeast Project, saying on Facebook, "The core issue lies in the Northeast Project, which attempts to subordinate and incorporate Korean history into China." He also shared the song "Dreaming of Balhae" by Seo Taiji and Boys, emphasizing, "Goguryeo and Balhae are proud parts of Korea's history."

Some point out that politicians are riding the anti-China sentiment without any caution ahead of the elections. Both ruling and opposition presidential candidates have been issuing heated remarks such as "sinking," "succumbing," and "sacrificing," raising concerns that such statements could leave sparks of conflict in diplomacy. While the Northeast Project, which claims Korean culture and history as its own, deserves criticism, and the biased judging controversy is indeed angering, there are opinions that long-term national interests and diplomatic relations must be considered.

The Chinese government recently expressed unusually strong displeasure over the political remarks. The Chinese Embassy in South Korea issued a statement on the 9th, saying, "Some Korean media and politicians have directed arrows at the Chinese government and the entire Beijing Olympics over the biased judging controversy, even inciting anti-China sentiment, worsening emotions between the two peoples and provoking counterattacks from Chinese netizens. We cannot help but express serious concern and a stern stance on this."

It continued, "The Winter Olympics is an international sports event, and referees for each competition are jointly selected by the International Olympic Committee and international sports federations, with no country or government having the right to interfere," emphasizing, "China will continue to make active efforts to promote friendly relations between China and South Korea and their peoples. We hope and believe that Korea will move forward facing China together."

Experts suggest that while politicians can make statements reflecting public sentiment ahead of elections, they should use refined language. Professor Shin Yul of Myongji University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy said, "The current administration is perceived by many as pro-China. Many people have a backlash against this, and with the Olympic controversy emerging, it is somewhat natural for politicians to respond critically toward China. From the candidates' perspective ahead of the elections, they cannot make statements completely detached from public sentiment. However, Lee's remark about sinking fishing vessels could cause harm to civilians, so I think it was a bit excessive."

Professor Lee Jun-han of Incheon University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy also said, "It is inevitable that politicians reflect public sentiment in their statements. However, when becoming president, one must consider that diplomacy cannot avoid China. While some remarks may be made for votes, future national interests and international relations must also be considered simultaneously."

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