Chinese Media: "Yellow Dust from China? ... We're Just the 'Middle Point'"

Yellow dust originating from northern China has affected the Korean Peninsula, worsening air quality, while voices within China claim that "the Korean side is blaming China for the cause of the sandstorm."

On the 13th (local time), the Chinese state-run media outlet Global Times reported, "After the Korean Peninsula was engulfed by yellow dust originating from the Mongolian Plateau, some Korean media exaggerated by saying 'the yellow dust originated from China.'

The outlet pointed out, "They even used inflammatory expressions such as 'caused a disaster' and 'the origin of the yellow dust is like hell.' Chinese authorities have repeatedly warned that most yellow dust originates outside China, and China is merely an 'intermediate stop,' so speculation should be avoided."

Beijing street covered in yellow dust [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

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It also urged a cautious approach regarding whether the yellow dust worsened Korea's air quality. Citing a 2021 statement from a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Global Times emphasized, "There is no origin in environmental and air pollution issues, and conclusions about their origin should be based on scientific monitoring and comprehensive analysis."

Furthermore, it claimed, "China places great importance on desertification prevention and control," adding, "In recent years, there has been a remarkable decrease in days with high fine dust levels."

Chinese authorities have previously expressed discomfort with labeling this yellow dust as "China-origin yellow dust."

At a briefing on the 16th of last month, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, responded to a question from a Chinese media outlet about Korean media using the term "China-origin yellow dust," stating, "This yellow dust started outside China's borders, and China is merely a transit point." He pointed out, "Mongolia officially announced the yellow dust news recently. However, Chinese public opinion did not hold Mongolia responsible for the start of the yellow dust."

Meanwhile, this yellow dust originated from the Inner Mongolian Plateau and the Gobi Desert in northern China. It has been observed domestically since the 11th, and from the 12th to the 13th, fine dust concentrations nationwide have reached "very bad" levels.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the yellow dust is currently trapped within a high-pressure system, circulating clockwise around the country, and this situation is expected to continue at least until the 14th.

However, as the pressure system changes and southwesterly winds blow into Korea, the yellow dust is expected to clear. Additionally, rain falling from the 14th through the 15th is anticipated to prevent further influx of sand dust.

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