China declared on Monday December 16 that it hoped for a relationship «stable» with South Korea following the impeachment proceedings against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. South Korea’s parliament suspended Yoon from office on Saturday after his failed attempt to declare martial law, a coup that plunged one of Asia’s major economies into a serious political crisis.
South Korea’s Constitutional Court now has about six months to rule on the validity of the impeachment motion. “South Korea is a close neighbor and an important friendly cooperation partner for China. Promoting healthy and stable development of China-South Korea relations is in the common interests of both sides.said a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, on Monday during a regular press conference.
“China’s policy toward South Korea is consistent and stable,” the spokesperson said, adding that “maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is in the interests of all parties and requires efforts assets of each». Asked directly about the dismissal of President Yoon, the spokesperson, however, refused to comment, saying that it was a “South Korean internal affair».
Long-standing friction
The two countries, although major trading partners, have experienced long-standing political friction. China is the main economic and political supporter of North Korea, with which Seoul is still officially at war. For its part, South Korea is a key ally of the United States, hosting several military bases.
Yoon Suk Yeol gave a virulent speech last week to justify his decision to proclaim martial law, notably citing suspicions of espionage by Chinese citizens. Citing two cases of alleged espionage involving Chinese nationals, Yoon accused the main opposition party of blocking his efforts to change South Korea’s anti-espionage laws.
In response, China said “deeply surprised and displeased», adding that these remarks “do not promote the healthy and stable development of relationships» bilateral.
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