Sino-Korean Conflict 'THAAD' Nightmare Repeated?..."Opportunity to Redefine Relations"

Sing Haiming's Unexpected Remark, Korea-China Standoff Intensifies
"Asymmetric, Imbalanced Korea-China Relations Must Be Normalized"

The sudden remarks made by Sing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, have rapidly frozen South Korea-China relations. The diplomatic authorities of both countries summoned each other's ambassadors, and President Yoon Suk-yeol personally criticized Ambassador Sing's remarks, escalating the conflict into an emotional confrontation.

There are concerns that South Korea-China relations could deteriorate even more than during the conflict over the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, while some also see this as an opportunity to redefine the bilateral relationship.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

It is reported that President Yoon mentioned in a closed Cabinet meeting on the 13th that Ambassador Sing's public remarks were diplomatically inappropriate. According to Yonhap News Agency, multiple attendees of the meeting conveyed that President Yoon said, "Looking at Ambassador Sing Haiming's attitude, it is doubtful whether he has the attitude of mutual respect or the promotion of friendship as a diplomat," and "Our people are displeased with Ambassador Sing's inappropriate conduct."

The remarks by Ambassador Sing that ignited the conflict came during a dinner meeting with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 8th. Ambassador Sing asserted, "Some are betting that the United States will win and China will lose, but this is a wrong judgment, and those who bet on China's defeat will surely regret it."

This was a public expression of dissatisfaction with the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's diplomatic policy emphasizing the South Korea-U.S. alliance and trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. Subsequently, both South Korea and China summoned each other's ambassadors to protest, and while the South Korean government demanded "appropriate measures" against Ambassador Sing, the Chinese government effectively rejected this, continuing the diplomatic tension.

Some express concerns that the level of China's ban on Korean culture (Hallyu ban) might intensify beyond what was seen after the 2016 THAAD deployment. China has not lifted the Hallyu ban even seven years after the THAAD deployment. Korean popular culture is completely barred from entering China, and cultural exchanges between the two countries are virtually severed. The entire industry, including tourism, distribution, gaming, and beauty sectors, has suffered significant damage.

Since the end of last year, there had been signs of easing the Hallyu ban, with China permitting some Korean game services and releasing a few Korean movies and dramas on Chinese video platforms (OTT). However, following Ambassador Sing's remarks, the atmosphere for lifting the Hallyu ban is likely to freeze again.

Experts predict that even if the Hallyu ban continues, the impact will not be as severe as in the past. Professor Lee Sang-man of the Far East Research Institute at Gyeongnam National University said in an interview with YTN Radio, "Although there is already a limited Hallyu ban, a large-scale comprehensive ban is unlikely," adding, "Because from China's perspective, they cannot touch areas they need. The advanced technology sector is something China needs, so it is absolutely untouchable."

There is also a view that this South Korea-China conflict could serve as an opportunity to establish an equal and balanced bilateral relationship. Professor Jeon Ga-rim of the College of Liberal Arts at Hoseo University said in an interview with SBS Radio, "(In the past) South Korea-China relations were asymmetrical and unbalanced, and there is a need to correct this," pointing out, "There can be no ambassador of one country who shamelessly makes unpleasant remarks about the host country's government."

She added, "The most important thing in our diplomacy now is to restore (South Korea-China relations) to a normal relationship," and "We must clearly express our position regarding China's stance."

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