China defends its envoy's remarks on US-South Korea relations

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - China on Monday defended remarks by its ambassador to South Korea on relations between Seoul and Washington, which set off a diplomatic row.

At a weekly briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said it is part of the ambassador’s job to engage extensively with people from all backgrounds in South Korea, including meetings with the opposition, which is where Xing Haiming made the remarks.

“This aims to enhance understanding, promote cooperation, safeguard and advance the development of China-ROK (Republic of Korea) relations,” said Wang Wenbin.

During a meeting last week with South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung, the Chinese envoy voiced disapproval over Seoul’s diplomacy with the US. The envoy said Seoul-Beijing relations have recently faced “external challenges.”

South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin responded by summoning the Chinese ambassador and “sternly warning” him about the envoy’s “unreasonable and provocative” comments, calling them interference in Seoul’s domestic affairs.

In a tit-for-tat move on Sunday, Beijing complained to South Korea’s ambassador to China, expressing dissatisfaction with Seoul’s response to last week’s meeting between the Chinese ambassador and the South Korean opposition leader.

- ‘Concerns shared’

Wang said China stated its “position and concerns” in Beijing and Seoul to South Korea over their reaction to Ambassador Xing’s conversation with the main opposition party leader.

“On June 10, at our request, ROK Ambassador to China Chung Jae-ho was met by Assistant NongkRong for the same purpose,” he said.