Chinese State Media 'Defends' Xing Haiming... Chinese Embassy Remains 'Silent' for Five Days

Unexpected remarks on internal interference and personal misconduct
Aftershocks continue following Ambassador Xing Haiming's comments
Opposition also shifts to criticize Ambassador Xing Haiming
Replacement rumors arise... Korea-China relations deteriorate

The Chinese Embassy in Korea has remained silent for five consecutive days without any significant statement despite a series of adverse events, including Ambassador Xing Haiming's provocative remarks such as "China betting" and allegations of misconduct related to hospitality on Ulleungdo Island. Amid relentless attacks from the presidential office and the ruling party, Chinese state media has actively defended Ambassador Xing, further deteriorating Korea-China relations. Depending on Ambassador Xing's position, the Korea-China relationship could become even more strained.

On the 13th, the Chinese Embassy in Korea continued to remain silent in response to media demands for a statement regarding Ambassador Xing's personal misconduct allegations, including the Ulleungdo hospitality issue. However, the Chinese state-run Global Times criticized South Korea's reaction as retaliatory. In an editorial titled "South Korean Diplomacy Moving Further Away from Confidence" on the 12th (local time), the Global Times stated, "The presidential office mentioned Ambassador Xing's remarks, pointing out that they could harm the national interests of both the home and host countries, which means that attacks by the South Korean government and conservative media against Ambassador Xing have newly intensified." It further evaluated Ambassador Xing's remarks as emphasizing China's interest in Korea-China relations and questioned, "How can this be considered 'excessive'?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The ruling party and government continue their relentless offensive over Ambassador Xing's controversial remarks and misconduct allegations, further escalating Korea-China tensions. On the same day, Kim Jeong-jae, a member of the People Power Party, appeared on the radio and said, "Bilateral relations ultimately proceed with mutual respect as the foundation," adding, "Visiting the Chinese ambassador and listening to a 15-minute lecture is of no benefit to our national interests. The content was close to interference in internal affairs." He criticized both party leader Lee and Ambassador Xing. Some voices are even calling for Ambassador Xing's expulsion. On the radio, Ha Tae-kyung, also from the same party, said, "Whether it is Ambassador Xing Haiming's personal opinion or the official stance of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make a difference. For example, even if the Chinese government wrote it, if Ambassador Xing's personal opinion was somewhat edited, I think expulsion is possible."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also joined the chorus. On the previous day, Foreign Minister Park Jin stated during a parliamentary question session on politics, diplomacy, unification, and security, "The ambassador to Korea criticized our government's policies with expressions that cannot be overlooked in front of multiple media outlets at a meeting with opposition politicians. I believe this behavior violates the Vienna Convention and diplomatic customs that define the mission of diplomatic envoys to promote friendship."

A shift in sentiment toward Ambassador Xing is also detected within the opposition. As public opinion against Xing worsened, there were remarks expressing regret over the behavior of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who dined with him six days ago. Jeong Seong-ho, a close aide to Lee, appeared on the radio and said, "Ambassador Xing has made many radical remarks in the past. (Lee's staff) should have kept that in mind, and Lee should have pointed out such issues at that meeting, which is regrettable."

However, Ambassador Xing is in his third year as Korea's ambassador, and a successor is scheduled to replace him within this year, so it is uncertain how long this controversy will continue. It is difficult to take hardline measures such as declaring him a "persona non grata" due to high dependence on trade with China and the considerable diplomatic risks it could pose to Korea. For this reason, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking a cautious stance. A ministry official, regarding the persona non grata designation for Ambassador Xing, said only, "We summoned him to sternly warn him about his remarks and expressed strong regret," adding, "We warned that all consequences will be the ambassador's responsibility," giving an evasive response.

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