China Watches South Korea's Presidential Election Results Closely: "South Korea Should Act as a Bridge Between Major Powers"

Both Candidates Lee Jae-myung and Yoon Seok-yeol Express Concern Over Hostile Remarks Toward China During Campaign
Warn That Joining South Korea's US Anti-China Strategy Could Have Greater Consequences Than THAAD Deployment

Chinese President Xi Jinping [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese state media reported that the outcome of South Korea's 20th presidential election will significantly impact future bilateral relations and that China must prepare for the election results. Chinese media showed deep interest in South Korea's 20th presidential election, which is difficult to predict.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

State-run Global Times on the 9th published an article titled "Preparing for Power Transition in South Korea, South Korea Should Act as a Bridge Among Great Powers," stating that the election results could increase uncertainty about the future of the Korean Peninsula and China-South Korea relations.

The media noted that South Korea's Generation Z (young generation) could have a significant influence on this election, focusing on the voting intentions of those in their 20s and 30s.

Global Times cited government-affiliated scholars, saying that unlike previous generations, South Korea's young people have less desire for reunification and exhibit hostile attitudes toward China, warning that South Korea may find it difficult to maintain balance between China and the United States depending on the election outcome. It also added that bilateral relations worsened further due to some incidents during the "2022 Beijing Winter Olympics" (short track speed skating events).

It expressed concern that both ruling party candidate Lee Jae-myung and opposition candidate Yoon Seok-youl used hostile expressions toward China during their campaigns.

L? Chao, a researcher at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, said, "It is difficult to accurately grasp the China policies of the two candidates based solely on statements made during the campaign, but it will negatively affect future China-South Korea relations," adding, "Exaggerating the China factor to gain votes is an irresponsible act."

Wang Junsheng, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences’ East Asia Institute, said, "The negative sentiment of South Korea's young generation toward China stems from various reasons," citing the U.S.'s anti-China stance as a major cause. He blamed the U.S. for the significant deterioration of China's image among many American allies due to anti-China propaganda campaigns that began after Trump's administration. He further analyzed that the economic hardships faced by South Korean youth, such as unemployment and low income, are being expressed as dissatisfaction toward China. Wang said, "Regardless of who wins this election, China-South Korea relations will face challenges," warning, "China should not harbor illusions that bilateral relations will remain unaffected."

Global Times quoted remarks made by Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a press conference following the National People's Congress (NPC) work report on the 7th. Wang stated, "China and South Korea are friendly neighbors with historically deep ties," evaluating that the two countries have endured various tests of change over the past 30 years and achieved comprehensive and rapid development. He also emphasized, "China and South Korea are not competitors but complementary partners with enormous potential."

Global Times again cited experts, saying that the current U.S.-China relationship is far more serious than during the THAAD incident, warning that if South Korea follows U.S. strategies that seriously harm China's security, the price South Korea will pay will be much greater than the damage caused during the THAAD incident.

Zanderbin, a professor at the Korea Research Center of Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, emphasized, "South Korea is a bridge connecting China, North Korea, and the Western camp," and pointed out, "If South Korea joins the U.S.'s anti-China strategy, it will become a frontline in the great power competition."

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