China has criticized South Korean and Japanese lawmakers for visiting Taiwan against its opposition, lodging protests through their embassies. The Chinese embassy in South Korea stated that the visits went against the strategic partnership between China and South Korea. China chided both neighbors for attending Taiwan’s “so-called inauguration ceremony of the leader,” referencing President Lai Ching-te, whom China views as a separatist. China strongly opposes the visits, claiming Taiwan as its territory, and has lodged protests with South Korea and Japan. Japan has congratulated Lai, calling Taiwan an important partner and friend, further deepening cooperation and exchanges at a non-governmental level.
China has urged South Korea to take “practical actions” to safeguard bilateral relations, while calling on Japan to cease “provocative political manipulation” of the Taiwan issue. The embassy in Japan stated that the visit seriously contravened the spirit of Sino-Japanese commitments, cautioning against causing further damage to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and their bilateral relations. Tensions between China and Japan have escalated recently over maritime claims in the East China Sea and China’s actions in the South China Sea. The three countries are scheduled to participate in a trilateral summit in Seoul, where they will address these issues and seek stable ties despite recent difficulties.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of stable ties with South Korea during a visit by the South Korean counterpart to Beijing, despite tensions over Taiwan and other regional matters. The South Korean Foreign Minister expressed the need for both countries to work together, continuing cooperation while managing the complexities in the relationship. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has previously stated that Taiwan is a global issue, not just a dispute between China and Taiwan. Wang warned against challenging the one-China principle, stating that Taiwan is part of China, with only one China in the world.
China has resolutely opposed the visits by South Korean and Japanese lawmakers to Taiwan, insisting that Taiwan is part of its territory. The embassies in South Korea and Japan reiterated China’s stance and expressed concern over the potential damage to peace and stability in the region. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary called Taiwan an important partner, emphasizing the need for deepening cooperation at a non-governmental level. Despite recent tensions between the countries, efforts are being made to seek stable ties and maintain cooperation on regional issues.
The visits to Taiwan by South Korean and Japanese lawmakers have sparked criticism from China, leading to protests through their embassies. China has urged both countries to cease political manipulation of the Taiwan issue and to safeguard bilateral relations. The upcoming trilateral summit in Seoul will provide an opportunity for China, South Korea, and Japan to address these tensions and seek stable ties despite their differences. Efforts are being made to continue cooperation and carefully manage the complexities in their relationships, especially concerning Taiwan and other regional matters.
