Chinese ambassador calls S. Korea-U.S. summit statement 'a bit discouraging'
SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- Chinese Ambassador to Seoul Xing Haiming voiced discomfort again on Wednesday over a joint statement from last week's summit between South Korea and the United States that touched on sensitive issues like the Taiwan Strait.
The statement following the first in-person summit between Presidents Moon Jae-in and Joe Biden in Washington on Friday made a rare mention of the issue of Taiwan, which Beijing regards as part of its territory under its One China policy.
"We feel it's a bit discouraging. For instance, the issue of Taiwan was brought up," Xing said in an interview with an MBC program. "Of course, the South Korean side had explained this to us, but from our perspective, this is China's internal affair."

Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming speaks during a forum in Seoul on May 24, 2021, in this photo released by his embassy. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Xing stressed that South Korea already recognized Taiwan as part of China when it opened diplomatic relations in 1992.
The ambassador also took issue with the statement's mention of the South China Sea, reiterating Beijing's claim that there has been no problem regarding the freedom of transit in the strategic waterway.
But he took note of Seoul's efforts to respect Beijing's position. Seoul has stressed that the summit statement did not directly mention China, though a set of expressions, including the Taiwan Strait, appeared to be targeted at Beijing.
"It is up to the Seoul government to independently engage with the U.S. based upon the consensus of the South Korean people," he said.
Friday's summit statement has apparently unnerved Chinese authorities. On Monday, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of Beijing's foreign ministry, said Beijing "brooks no foreign interference" on the Taiwan issue.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
BTS' J-Hope tries long hair in photo book to be released this month
-
Ruling party, gov't mulling expanding heating bill support for middle class
-
DP hits back at Yoon's office over stock manipulation allegations involving first lady
-
Candidate registration opens for PPP leadership race
-
(LEAD) Candidate registration opens for PPP leadership race
-
DP hits back at Yoon's office over stock manipulation allegations involving first lady
-
Jay Park's Won Soju to be sold in U.S.
-
(2nd LD) Search under way for 9 missing after fishing boat capsizes
-
(LEAD) Ahn calls off campaigning activities amid row with Yoon's office
-
Ruling party, gov't mulling expanding heating bill support for middle class
-
BTS fails to win Grammy for 3rd consecutive year
-
Son Heung-min partially wins lawsuit filed by former agent
-
S. Korea closely watching N. Korea's 'increased' activities to prepare for military parade: Seoul official
-
(LEAD) 23 Thai tourists out of contact after arriving in Muan Int'l Airport
-
(LEAD) Ahn calls off campaigning activities amid row with Yoon's office