China Welcomes South Korea's Reaffirmation of One-China Principle

China's Foreign Ministry expressed approval on Thursday for South Korea's continued commitment to the one-China principle, following public statements by South Korean officials reiterating their long-standing diplomatic position. Nam Jin, director-general for Northeast Asian and Central Asian Affairs at South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told media on June 18 that South Korea recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China and respects China's position that Taiwan is part of China, in accordance with language contained in the 1992 joint communique establishing diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson highlighted that South Korea's stance remains unchanged and emphasized the centrality of the Taiwan question to bilateral relations. The spokesperson specifically referenced statements by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who before his January departure for China stated that the fundamental positions underpinning China-South Korea relations were established at the outset of diplomatic ties and are principled and foundational. President Lee further noted that "with regard to China's most core concern, the Taiwan question, the ROK will, as always, uphold its position of respecting the one-China stance." During his subsequent state visit to China, President Lee reiterated that South Korea respects China's core interests and adheres to the one-China principle.

China expressed hope that South Korea will continue to honor the shared commitments that led to the establishment of diplomatic relations and maintain adherence to the one-China principle as the political foundation of bilateral relations. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed that it views South Korea's public reaffirmation of these positions positively and expects South Korea to remain faithful to its political commitments on this matter.