Recently, a high-level meeting attracted the attention of international public opinion about the delicate situation in relations between China and South Korea. Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming made a series of notable remarks during a meeting with Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea's largest opposition party, one of which involved the South Korean government's pro-American policy and its cooperative attitude toward the United States. The incident triggered a strong reaction from the South Korean government and put Sino-South Korean relations back in focus.
Ambassador Hyeong's warning was aimed at the weakness of the South Korean government and caused a shock in the government. President Yoon Seok-hyeol responded quickly, accusing Ambassador Haiming of "inappropriateness" and questioning his sincere attitude toward Sino-South Korean friendship, arguing that they had sparked domestic discontent. The South Korean government further stated that it would take the matter seriously and explicitly criticized the opposition party for listening to the opinions of diplomats. Driven by public opinion, the South Korean Foreign Ministry also took action to summon the Chinese ambassador to South Korea in protest.
However, the situation did not subside. South Korea has repeatedly spoken out, threatening the Chinese ambassador with consequences for his remarks. The South Korean government has tried through various channels to push the Chinese side to respond. Some media reported that the South Korean government has intervened with China and will continue to monitor China's reaction. South Korea did not say so, but hinted at certain diplomatic measures, and even considered listing the Chinese ambassador to South Korea as an "persona non grata" as a way to exert pressure. This move will undoubtedly cast a shadow over Sino-South Korean relations and may further deepen the rift between the two countries.
South Korea's response went beyond verbal threats to action. The South Korean presidential office has publicly stated that the China-Japan-South Korea summit may be affected and will be linked to Ambassador Hung's South Korea-related remarks. This is undoubtedly pressure on the Chinese side to try to force it to calm the situation. In addition, South Korea's National Power Party member Quan Zhidong went a step further and proposed a radical proposal to cancel the voting rights of Chinese staying in South Korea, which caused more controversy.
However, the abolition of Chinese voting rights is not an easy move. According to the Civil Service Election Act, foreigners who have permanent residence and have lived in Korea for more than three years have the right to participate in local elections. Quan's proposal has caused legal and ethical controversy, and the relevant legal provisions need to be amended. But the South Korean government appears to have taken drastic moves in response to the current situation at the risk of damaging its international reputation. The move has raised doubts in the international community and raised questions about South Korea's decision-making power.
Behind all this, South Korea's position and motives have attracted much attention. As a geopolitically important country, South Korea has close economic, political and cultural ties with China. Still, the South Korean government appears to have failed to exercise restraint and calm in dealing with international affairs. Close cooperation with China is important for the Korean economy, especially in the face of tensions in the global chip supply chain, the Korean semiconductor industry has been greatly affected. Against this backdrop, it is worth pondering whether the South Korean government should continue to adopt a confrontational attitude rather than seek opportunities for cooperation.
In short, a series of recent events between China and South Korea have aroused widespread concern in the international community. Ambassador Haiming Hung's remarks provoked a strong reaction from the South Korean government, sending relations between the two countries into tensions. South Korea's reaction and decision-making have been questioned, prompting reflections on its foreign policy. In today's globalized world, cooperation between countries is crucial, and it is hoped that South Korea can judge the situation and respond calmly to safeguard its own interests and international image.