The Presidential Office said on the 5th that Minister Cho Hyun of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made remarks to the effect that 'China is the problem' during an interview with foreign media, noting that there are some disagreements between Korea and China on certain issues, but it will continue efforts to create a Korea-China relationship that contributes to the well-being and stability of the region.
The Presidential Office explained in a media release that day, "We are promoting the development of Korea-China relations based on a solid Korea-U.S. alliance." It also mentioned, "Please note that Minister Cho emphasized the necessity of engagement with China to related countries."
Previously, Minister Cho stated in an interview reported by The Washington Post (WP) on the 3rd (local time) that "China has become somewhat of a problem for neighboring countries in Northeast Asia" and that "they have become quite vigilant regarding China's rise and challenges." When asked about the geopolitical situation facing Korea, he expressed concern that "Russia might not transfer military technology or related materials to North Korea in exchange for its deployment of troops to Russia" and stated, "We have been closely monitoring the activities China has engaged in the South China Sea and Yellow Sea."
Minister Cho's remarks appear to indirectly question recent actions by China, such as the installation of structures suspected of being used for military reconnaissance near the Southwestern Sea Precautionary Measures Zone (PMZ) and the Ieodo area. In fact, China has frequently clashed at sea with countries like Vietnam and the Philippines over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, in addition to conducting training exercises encircling Taiwan. However, it is very rare for a senior official in the Korean government to directly mention that 'China is the problem' to U.S. media.
Minister Cho said, "Economically, China has developed so much that it has quickly become a competitor," adding that he would convey the message to China that "we want to maintain a good (Korea-China) relationship and hope that China adheres to international law not only in bilateral relations but also in regional issues." He continued, "In this regard, we will cooperate well with Japan," stating that "such efforts will be carried out in close cooperation with our ally, the United States."