President Yoon’s anti-China comments are intensifying public sentiment, risking the Seoul-Beijing relationship ahead of Xi Jinping’s possible APEC visit. An incident involving an attempted intrusion at the Chinese embassy brings these tensions into sharper focus. The South Korean government is collaborating with China to address and prevent further escalation of these issues.
South Korea’s tension with China escalates as President Yoon’s rhetoric seems to resonate with rising anti-China sentiment among his supporters. This comes at a delicate time with President Xi Jinping’s potential visit to South Korea for the APEC meeting. The South Korean foreign ministry is actively liaising with China to mitigate concerns over statements perceived as inflammatory against Chinese interests.
Recent incidents highlight this growing animosity, including an arrest of a Yoon supporter attempting to enter the Chinese embassy in Seoul while dressed as Captain America. He insisted he was there to deliver an “anti-China message.” China’s embassy in Seoul expressed its regret about the incident and communicated its concerns to the South Korean government.
In response to President Yoon’s assertions, there has been a notable protest surge outside the Chinese embassy, where demonstrators engage in a “Festival to Exterminate Communism.” Protesters have directed chants against Xi Jinping, reflecting a broader sentiment which could further strain bilateral relations if left unchecked.
In summary, the rhetoric surrounding President Yoon’s anti-China stance is creating significant tensions between South Korea and China, especially ahead of Xi Jinping’s potential APEC visit. The South Korean government remains concerned about the impact of rising anti-China sentiment and is attempting to address these issues directly with Beijing to foster stability in diplomatic ties. The incident involving the embassy intrusion only underscores the fragile state of these relations as public sentiment continues to shift against China.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
