Seoul, Beijing trade barbs over Yoon's remarks on Taiwan

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By Lee Yeon-woo

Seoul lambasted Beijing, Thursday, for committing a “serious diplomatic discourtesy” after a Chinese official described President Yoon Suk Yeol's remarks on Taiwan as “verbal meddling” in China's domestic affairs.

In an interview with Reuters, Tuesday, Yoon said Taiwan, an island Beijing claims as its own territory, is “not simply an issue between China and Taiwan," but a global matter, saying he shares the view of most other countries in opposing “attempts to change the status quo by force.”

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, criticized the Korean president during a press briefing, claiming it is “China's role to solve issues of Taiwan” and that Beijing will “not allow the third party meddling in the issue.”

In a strongly-worded statement, Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed Wang for his attacks on Yoon.

“The spokesman of China's foreign affairs ministry made unspeakable comments in regard to our head of state's position on universal principles of the international community,” the ministry said in the statement. “We have no choice but to point out that his remarks were a serious diplomatic discourtesy that have raised doubts about China's national stature.”

Wang also rejected Yoon's comparison of the Taiwan issue with Korean Peninsula affairs.

“Both North and South Korea are independent countries that are members of the United Nations, which is in stark contrast to Taiwan and cannot be compared,” Wang said. “We hope South Korea will comply with the joint statement on diplomatic relations between China and Korea, adhere to the 'One China policy,' and handle Taiwan-related issues carefully.”