Korea in Talks with China, Opposing Statement of US-Japan Here’s Why

South Korea has reaffirmed its position to China via diplomatic channels after Beijing reacted against a joint statement by South Korea, the United States and Japan on the South China Sea, a foreign ministry official said Tuesday. 

The statement, issued last week after the inaugural meeting of the trilateral Indo-Pacific dialogue, criticized China’s “unlawful” claims and “recent dangerous and escalatory behavior supporting unlawful maritime claims” in the South China Sea. The Chinese foreign ministry expressed discontent about the statement, saying it opposes the three countries’ attempt to interfere in its internal affairs.

The Position

The official said that the joint statement reflects the basic position that the South Korean government has consistently maintained in regard to Taiwan and the South China Sea¹. South Korea supports the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). South Korea also respects the One-China policy and does not maintain official relations with Taiwan.

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The Reason

The official said that Seoul continues to maintain communication with Beijing via diplomatic channels and has clearly expressed its views on the matter¹. South Korea has a delicate balancing act between its alliance with the United States and its economic ties with China, which are both vital for its security and prosperity. South Korea also seeks to avoid antagonizing China, which is a key player in the denuclearization of North Korea and the regional stability of Northeast Asia. By reaffirming its position to China, South Korea hopes to ease tensions and promote dialogue and cooperation in the region.