Yoon Sang-hyun: "Yoon's 'Wiansukai' Remark Shows President Fully Engaged in Diplomatic Battle"

"Must Hold Behind-the-Scenes Talks with China and Dispatch a Confidential Special Envoy"

President Yoon Suk-yeol targeted Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming, who made a 'diplomatic faux pas' remark, saying it reminded him of the Chinese warlord 'Yuan Shikai,' sparking reports. In response, Yoon Sang-hyun, a member of the People Power Party and former chairman of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, expressed concern that "the president appears to be taking the forefront in a diplomatic fight."

On the 14th, during CBS's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Rep. Yoon said, "The president seemed to be sharing his personal thoughts in a private setting. However, even if it was private, there are problems with those who then disclose it outside."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Some media outlets reported that President Yoon mentioned Yuan Shikai, who usurped national sovereignty during the late Joseon period, in reference to Ambassador Xing's remarks at the Cabinet meeting he presided over the previous day. Rep. Yoon pointed out, "The president was simply expressing his personal opinion, but it was leaked to the media outside, which sparked controversy and inevitably worsened Korea-China relations."

He warned that if the president takes the lead in a diplomatic fight, the possibility of deteriorating relations increases. Rep. Yoon said, "The president made such remarks, and the presidential office requested appropriate measures, but Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, refused, didn't he?" If the president takes the forefront in a diplomatic fight and China rejects it, what happens to the dignity of the head of state? Then, in the next step, should the head of state’s dignity be preserved by expelling the ambassador?"

In response to the host's question, "'The president mentioned Yuan Shikai, so shouldn't President Xi Jinping say something?'" Rep. Yoon replied, "Yes, it should not go that way. This is not a matter to be handled emotionally but should be approached rationally with the national interest in mind. That is what I am saying."

He raised his voice, saying, "If Korea-China relations deteriorate to the point where both countries expel each other's ambassadors and relations worsen, and if this extends to the economic sector, what benefit would that ultimately bring to us? At times like this, it is diplomacy to conduct behind-the-scenes dialogue, dispatch confidential special envoys, and turn adversity into opportunity by finding the essence of the problem."

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