Preface:
With South Korean military planes landing on the island, tensions have become apparent in recent weeks.
Although this may seem like South Korea's expression of support for Taiwan, it is actually dangerously involved in the great power game and provoked China.
In this regard, the mainland's defense minister issued a stern warning, South Korea cannot figure out its own strength, and if it makes small moves in the Taiwan Strait, sooner or later it will suffer its own consequences.
"Come on" full of scheming
The plane that landed in Taiwan this time was a South Korean performance team that had just participated in an air show in Malaysia, including nine trainer aircraft and a transport plane.
This is the fourth landing of a South Korean plane in Taiwan this year, and the reason given this time is to replenish fuel, which seems far-fetched.
Flight is two-way, when you go to Malaysia, the fuel is enough to support the voyage, how come back when it is not enough?
Even if there is a shortage of oil, there are many choices for refueling places, such as Thailand, the Philippines and South Asian countries, why choose sensitive Taiwan? Is oil cheaper in Taiwan? This is clearly impossible.
The Chinese defense minister made a clear statement
A series of South Korean military planes landing on the island of Taiwan seemed to trigger China's red line.
In just 72 hours, mainland defense minister Li Shangfu repeatedly stressed the position of "three nevers."
At that time, Minister Lee was attending the "incense meeting" in Singapore, and these "three nevers" were released in front of the new defense minister and the media, which was not only a response to South Korea, but also a clear message to the world.
"The DPP authorities will never be allowed to seek independence by coercing foreigners." This is a resolute opposition to the local Taiwan regime's instigation to the outside world and its attempts to carry out separatist activities with the help of external forces.
The ROK military plane's behavior is a blatant provocation to this principle, and Defense Minister Lee's resolute statement is a powerful response to this provocation.
"We will never allow external forces to use Taiwan to contain China." The meaning of Defense Minister Li's remarks is very clear: China's territorial integrity and sovereignty issues must not be exploited by anyone.
South Korea's behavior not only provokes China, but also challenges all countries and peoples that safeguard territorial integrity and respect the sovereignty of other countries.
"Never undertake to renounce the use of force" is a warning from Minister Li to the outside world, and China has the determination and ability to resolutely fight back against any attempt to undermine China's territorial integrity and attempt to split the motherland.
This is China's final bottom line over its territory and sovereignty, and it is also China's firm position on national security.
The three "never" sentences are like three sharp swords directed at those forces that vainly seek to challenge China's territorial integrity.
Defense Minister Li's tough statement proclaimed to the world China's determination and courage to never compromise.
Those countries and forces that hope to undermine China's territorial integrity and sovereignty through provocative actions should draw a profound warning from these three "nemes" of Defense Minister Li.
South Korea, dangerous "seesaw" strategy
South Korea's attitude on the Taiwan issue has always been more delicate. Since the 1970s, after South Korea severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it has formally established diplomatic relations with China and firmly supports one China.
However, constrained by its close relationship with the United States and the needs of its regional strategic layout, South Korea often appears hesitant and ambiguous in dealing with the Taiwan issue.
In terms of economic exchanges, South Korea and Taiwan have always had frequent exchanges.
Due to the business contacts of large enterprises such as Samsung, LG, Hon Hai, TSMC, etc., the two places have extensive cooperation in the fields of electronics industry, semiconductor, liquid crystal display and so on.
But politically, South Korea's attitude toward the Taiwan Strait issue is not clear. In public, the South Korean government usually adheres to the "one-China principle" and explicitly opposes Taiwan independence.
But on some closed occasions, especially when the United States needs its position, South Korea's attitude is much more ambiguous.
For example, in the "containment of China" strategy promoted by the United States, South Korea has not made a clear statement, which leaves people with a certain room for imagination.
After Yoon Seok-yue's visit to the United States last month, South Korea's handling of the Taiwan issue was more biased towards the United States, further ambiguous about its position on the issue.
"Letter of Submission" to the United States
The frequent landing of South Korean military aircraft in Taiwan is clearly not just carrying out conventional military operations.
Studying the deep meaning behind it, it is not difficult to find that South Korea's action is actually handing over a "letter of submission" to the United States, seeking greater benefits in the complex international game.
By doing so, South Korea can get closer to the United States. In the current game of great powers, the United States has always been a powerful force that cannot be ignored.
South Korea expressed its pro-American stance in this way, apparently in order to win American support internationally and enhance its status.
This can be seen from South Korea's previous support for Taiwan independence rhetoric and its dissatisfaction with China's trade deficit.
South Korea's use of itself as a pawn to try to gain benefits in the great power game cannot help but call into question the feasibility and stability of its long-term strategy.
South Korea's approach is tantamount to handing over its destiny to the United States, whose main goal is to maintain its hegemony in the world and is by no means genuinely concerned about South Korea's interests.
Such a diplomatic strategy is a crucial step for South Korea to move to the brink of danger.
Summary:
This behavior of the South Korean government is an overestimation of its own strength and an underestimation of the risk of the great power game.
Its intervention in the game of great powers will only lead it into a more complex and dangerous situation. South Korea needs to be soberly aware of its position and capabilities, and not play too active a role in the game of great power games.
Otherwise, this game of playing with fire will only make South Korea set itself on fire. Hopefully, South Korea will choose its path wisely and avoid moving toward a future fraught with unknowns and risks.