In Washington, experts expressed doubt that the fragile thaw in U.S.-China relations would have a significant impact on easing tensions between Seoul and Beijing.
After talks between the world’s two largest economies had stalled, there was a revival when Washington and Beijing agreed over the weekend to maintain high-level communication channels and stabilize their strained relations. This came after a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew across the continental U.S., which had caused a low point in the relationship.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a news briefing on Monday, referred to his recent trip to Beijing on June 18-19 as a step forward.
However, due to South Korea’s close alignment with the U.S. on policies aimed at countering what both countries perceive as challenges to the democratic values-based international system by China, Beijing has become increasingly antagonistic towards its neighbor.
On June 8, Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming openly criticized Seoul, warning that making “wrong bets” in the U.S.-China rivalry would result in “many difficulties” for South Korea. In response, South Korea’s First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin summoned Xing the following day, expressing strong dissatisfaction with his remarks.
Regarding the matter, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jung Hyung-kwon stated in a phone interview with TDTOP’s Korean Service on Tuesday that the South Korean government has repeatedly emphasized its position of seeking bilateral relations with China based on mutual respect. The spokesperson also urged China to make efforts in that direction.
When contacted by TDTOP’s Korean Service on Wednesday, the Chinese Embassy in Washington stated that any response to Seoul’s comments should be sought from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.