'Sing Haiming Controversy' Presidential Office Takes a Breather After Yoon's Hardline Remarks

Senior Official "Waiting for China's Measures"

The presidential office, which had been making strong statements day after day regarding Ambassador Xing Haiming's betting remarks, has stopped responding and is taking a breather. This is interpreted as an intention to wait for responsible actions from China while preventing the deterioration of Korea-China relations from escalating amid serious issues in Northeast Asia, including North Korea.

On the 15th, a senior official from the presidential office told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "We have already conveyed the position of the President and the presidential office. We are currently waiting for China's actions."

This contrasts with the government's strong reaction after Ambassador Xing met with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 8th and said, "Those who bet on China's defeat will surely regret it later."

On the 10th, First Vice Foreign Minister Jang Ho-jin summoned Ambassador Xing and strongly protested his remarks. President Yoon was also reported to have said at a closed Cabinet meeting on the 13th, "It is doubtful whether there is an attitude of mutual respect or promotion of friendship as a diplomat," and "The inappropriate conduct of the Chinese ambassador to Korea is very displeasing to the people."

The presidential office, which had refrained from direct comments, also stated on the same afternoon, "If the role as a bridge is inappropriate, it can harm the national interests of both the home country and the host country," and "We are waiting for China to take appropriate measures."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Having announced the final stance on Ambassador Xing, it is observed that further remarks are avoided due to concerns that Korea-China relations could spiral into further deterioration. In particular, consideration appears to have been given to the fact that this year, as the chair country of the Korea-China-Japan summit, our government has conveyed its intention to China to hold the summit within the year and is conducting consultations through diplomatic channels.

With China’s threats to Taiwan and North Korea repeatedly provoking by launching reconnaissance satellites and other space launch vehicles, tensions in Northeast Asia are escalating, increasing the importance of holding the Korea-China-Japan summit.

National Security Office Director Cho Tae-yong also refrained from mentioning Ambassador Xing as much as possible the day before but said, "Regarding Korea-China relations, the Yoon Seok-yeol administration’s unwavering position is to develop Korea-China relations centered on two key words: mutual respect and common interests," adding, "There should be nothing that harms or reverses the healthy development of Korea-China relations."

Regarding the designation of persona non grata, which some in the ruling party are demanding, it is known that the government and the presidential office are currently not considering it.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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