In response to South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun’s recent remarks about China during an interview with The Washington Post, China responded to Seoul, seeking Stronger Ties. The Chinese Embassy in Seoul emphasised on Tuesday that bolstering friendly cooperation is in the best interests of both nations and their peoples.
During his interview, Cho described Seoul as “rather alert to China’s rise and its challenges,” yet acknowledged the importance of maintaining a constructive bilateral relationship. His comments came amid his visit to Washington, described by the outlet as occurring at a “delicate moment” for US-South Korea relations.
Addressing Cho’s concerns, the Chinese Embassy issued a statement to Global Times reiterating Beijing’s commitment to the international system led by the United Nations and the principles of international law. It also reaffirmed China’s diplomatic engagements based on the UN Charter and its peaceful relations with neighbouring countries.
The embassy underlined that most nations prioritise cooperation with China and that bilateral engagement with South Korea has remained positive since the inauguration of Seoul’s current administration. “China and South Korea are not only important neighbours but also key strategic partners,” it stated, expressing willingness to enhance their strategic cooperative partnership based on the consensus reached between their heads of state.
In response to Cho’s implication that “China is a problem,” South Korea’s Presidential Office clarified on Tuesday that despite disagreements, Seoul remains committed to building a relationship with Beijing that supports regional peace, prosperity, and the well-being of both nations’ citizens.
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