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China-South Korea ties are low and could go lower, Chinese envoy says
- Xing Haiming also rules out prospect of presidential meeting until Seoul shows respect for core issues, such as Taiwan
- The two countries have been tussling for weeks over the island, with South Korea falling more in line with the US
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Zhuang Pinghuiin Beijing
Ties between China and South Korea are at a low point and could worsen, Beijing’s top envoy to Seoul said on Friday, adding China was determined for relations to improve.
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“Frankly speaking, current Sino-Korean relations are not good and there is a risk of further deterioration … I am very worried about it,” ambassador Xing Haiming told Seoul-based broadcaster MBC.
Xing said the most important thing for the “neighbours and partners” was mutual respect, especially in vital core interests, a reference to Taiwan, an issue at the centre of a diplomatic row between Beijing and Seoul.
Xing also ruled out the possibility of a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Yoon any time soon, saying such a visit would require a favourable political climate and both sides should work together to create it.
Seoul would first need to show “full respect for China’s core concerns in areas such as the Taiwan issue”, before other talks could take place, Xing said.
01:46
South Korea and US hold ‘largest-ever’ live-fire drills near northern border
South Korea and US hold ‘largest-ever’ live-fire drills near northern border
China and South Korea have been arguing for weeks over claims and counterclaims over Taiwan.
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