South Korea’s president Lee Jae-man stated that ties with China and the ruling Communist Party are of decisive importance, and he affirmed respect for Beijing’s position on Taiwan. He voiced these words to Chinese media ahead of a meeting with China’s leader Xi Jinping.
Healthy development of relations between South Korea and China depends on full respect for the fundamental interests of both sides. Regarding China’s most important issue – the Taiwan question, we will adhere to our position of respecting the “One China” principle.
– Lee Jae-man
In addition, the head of the South Korean administration expressed the intention to develop relations with China in the military sphere. According to him, the existing military alliance with the United States does not signify confrontation with China, but should underscore mutual stability and understanding in the region.
In the future, Lee Jae-man plans to deepen cooperation with China in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence and hinted at regular meetings with Xi Jinping – at least once a year – to discuss joint projects and ways of further partnership.
Meanwhile, Japan spoke out on the possible Taiwan scenario. On November 7, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takai stated during a parliamentary address that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could create a crisis that threatens the very existence of the Japanese state, and thus the legislation allows the country to act accordingly.
In response, China expressed outrage and demanded the withdrawal of such statements. The Chinese Consul-General in Osaka, Xue Jian, on his page on a social network, made threatening remarks and subsequently deleted the post. Prime Minister Minoru Kihara emphasized that the government is lodging a firm protest on Japan’s behalf regarding this statement.
Taiwan, or the Republic of China, is a partially recognized island state that until 1949 had jurisdiction over the entire territory of mainland China. After the Communists came to power in the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan preserved its autonomy and democratic system. In contemporary understanding, China regards Taiwan as its territory, while on the international stage Taiwan has limited recognition.