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National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun (front row

On August 24, the Korean and Chinese heads of state exchanged messages on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, stating “Sino-Korean relations are a top priority.” On the same day, commemorative events were held by their respective embassies in Seoul and Beijing. Although the deployment of THAAD was not directly mentioned at either event, each side made their respective views clear, demonstrating that the two countries are still struggling to find common ground.

A commemorative reception to celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Korea at a hotel in Seoul in the evening. “It is true that Sino-Korean relations have been facing difficulties since last year for a reason that everyone is well aware of,” stated Chinese Ambassador to Korea, Chu Guohong, as he suggested four measures to overcome the current situation. In recent times, Chu has refrained from speaking at length on the souring of Sino-Korean relations due to the THAAD issue, but on this occasion he chose to make the Chinese government’s position clear.

“First, we must go back to the basics,” Chu said. “We need to respect our mutual interests and seek to develop both countries, protect peace on the Korean Peninsula and contribute to regional development, in line with the wishes of both peoples.”

Chu went on to say, “Second, we must build firm, mature trust. Third, we need to expand points of common interest, and fourth, protect peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. If peace and stability is not maintained on the Korean Peninsula, both China and Korea will be victims.” It appears that the use of expressions such as ‘respecting our common interests’ and ‘mutual political trust’ were veiled references to the Chinese government’s opposition to the deployment of the THAAD system.

In response to this, First Vice Foreign Minister Lim Sung-nam, who participated as the acting minister behalf of the Korean government, stated, “It is true that Sino-Korean relations have faced some issues recently. What is important is that we continue to communicate closely and resolve these issues.”

The event was attended by approximately 400 guests, including National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun, Blue House National Security Office chief Chung Eui-yong and National Assembly member Song Young-gil of the Democratic Party.

On the same evening, a commemorative reception featuring cultural performances was being held in a hotel near Guomao in Beijing. The event was attended by about 600 guests. Korea was represented by embassy staff including Kim Jang-soo, Korean Ambassador to China, as well as Park Enna, Ambassador for Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, while China was represented by Wan Gang, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political and Consultative Conference, and the Minister of Science and Technology, as well as Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Kong Xuanyou and other officials. Some experts believe that the decision to send Wan as the guest of honor was made with respect to the frigid state of bilateral relations, as although Wan is a Vice Premier, he is not a member of the Communist Party.

A commemorative photo exhibition was held near to the reception venue, showcasing important moments from the 25 years of Sino-Korean relations including the wedding between Korean and Chinese table tennis players Ahn Jae-hyung and Jiao Zhimin in 1989, the official ceremony where diplomatic ties were established in 1992, Korean President Kim Dae-jung’s visit to China and meeting with Chinese President Zhang Zemin in 2001, and Korean President Lee Myung-bak’s visit to Sichuan Province after the devastating earthquake in 2008.

By Kim Oi-hyun, Beijing correspondent

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