China summons South Korean ambassador.

China summoned the South Korean ambassador after Seoul took similar action to protest comments from Beijing's ambassador.

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong summoned South Korean Ambassador Chung Jae-ho on June 10 to protest Seoul's criticism of comments made by Ambassador Xing Haiming, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said today. Nong expressed "deep concern and dissatisfaction" over Seoul's "inappropriate response."

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry , Nong explained China's position on relations with South Korea, stating that Xing's task was to meet with officials from various groups in the host country to promote understanding and facilitate cooperation.

Mr. Nong also suggested that South Korea consider where the problems lie in bilateral relations, respect the joint statement adopted when the two sides established diplomatic relations, and cooperate with China to develop stable and solid relations.

South Korean officials have not commented on the information.

South Korean Ambassador to China Chung Jae-ho. Photo: Yonhap

The move comes after South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin summoned Mr. Xing on June 9th to issue a "stern warning" regarding the Chinese ambassador's "unreasonable and provocative" comments.

Earlier, at a meeting on the evening of June 8 with South Korean opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, Mr. Xing warned that South Korea might be "making a wrong bet" by supporting the US, and urged Seoul to improve relations with Beijing.

According to Chang, Xing's comments appeared to violate the Vienna Convention, which stipulates the mission of diplomatic missions to promote friendly relations, and could be considered interference in South Korea's internal affairs. South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin also criticized Xing for "going too far."

Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, Xing Haiming. Photo: DPA

President Yoon Suk-yeol's government is trying to maintain a balance in its relations with the United States and China amid escalating competition between Washington and Beijing. The U.S. is South Korea's main security ally, while Beijing is Seoul's largest trading partner.

In late 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President Yoon, calling for increased cooperation in high-tech manufacturing and joint efforts to maintain a global free trade system, helping to ensure supply chain security.

However, Mr. Yoon recently expressed support for the Biden administration's call to restructure global supply chains to reduce dependence on China. Beijing strongly opposes this move.

By Như Tâm (According to Reuters, Yonhap )

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