Recently, the situation on the Korean Peninsula has become tense again, and the DPRK has successively tested a variety of new missiles, including hypersonic missiles and railway-mobile missiles, which has aroused the attention and concern of the international community. Against this backdrop, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho held a meeting in Beijing and had in-depth exchanges on the Korean Peninsula issue and bilateral relations.
This is the second meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in three years, and it is also the first time that North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un has sent a high-level representative to China this year. After the meeting between China and the DPRK, South Korea hurriedly sent the first minister Park Zhenju to meet with Wang Yi in an attempt to find out the inside story of the Sino-DPRK talks, and put forward three opinions, hoping that China will play a greater role in the peninsula issue.
However, South Korea's move was not recognized by the Chinese side, but was warned by the Chinese side. The Chinese side pointed out that some actions of the US side have harmed the interests of China, the ROK and other countries and are a saboteur of international rules, and the ROK should distinguish between right and wrong and safeguard its sovereignty and dignity. After the meeting between China and the DPRK, why did South Korea rush to find out the inside story and put forward three opinions?Why is China dissatisfied with South Korea's move and issued a warning?
South Korea's worries and unease about North Korea
South Korea's worries and uneasiness about North Korea is one of the main reasons why it is eager to find out the inside story of the talks between China and North Korea.
As a party to the Korean Peninsula, the ROK has blood, historical and geographical ties with the DPRK, and is also the first victim of the DPRK's nuclear and missile problems. The ROK has always hoped to improve its relations with the DPRK and achieve peace and stability on the peninsula through dialogue and cooperation.
However, this desire of South Korea has not been echoed by North Korea, but has been snubbed and provoked by North Korea. Since the beginning of this year, the DPRK has continuously strengthened its nuclear and missile research and development and testing, improving its strategic deterrence capability, and also increasing the uncertainty and risks on the peninsula. The DPRK has also repeatedly cut off its communication lines with the ROK, refused to engage in any contacts and dialogues with the ROK, and even sharply criticized and ridiculed some of the ROK's words and deeds.
These moves by the DPRK have made South Korea feel alienated and hostile to the DPRK, and also made the ROK feel confused and worried about the DPRK's movements and intentions. South Korea is eager to find out the inside story of the Sino-DPRK talks in order to understand the latest attitude and stance of the DPRK on the Korean Peninsula issue, as well as China's influence and restraint on the DPRK, so as to formulate corresponding countermeasures and measures for the ROK.
South Korea's dependence on and expectation of the United States
South Korea's dependence on and expectation of the United States is the second main reason why it is eager to find out the inside story of the Sino-DPRK talks. South Korea is an important ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region, has deep military and security cooperation with the United States, and is also an important partner of the United States on the Korean Peninsula issue.
South Korea has always believed that the United States is a key promoter of the denuclearization and peace process on the Korean Peninsula, as well as a strong backing for South Korea's security. The ROK hopes that through coordination and cooperation with the United States, the United States and the DPRK will resume dialogue and negotiations and promote a political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue.
However, South Korea's dependence on and expectation of the United States has not been responded to and supported by the United States, but has been used and contained by the United States. After Biden took office, although the United States expressed its willingness to meet with the DPRK unconditionally, it did not take any substantive actions and measures, nor did it provide any tangible security guarantees and sanctions relief to the DPRK.
The United States has also continued to conduct large-scale joint military exercises with South Korea, which has strengthened military deterrence and pressure on North Korea, and also intensified North Korea's hostility and countermeasures. These actions of the United States have not only failed to contribute to peace and stability on the peninsula, but have actually undermined the interests and dignity of the ROK.
The ROK is eager to find out the inside story of the Sino-DPRK talks in order to understand China's attitude and views toward the United States, as well as China's role and influence on the Korean Peninsula issue, so as to provide some reference and basis for communication and consultation between the ROK and the United States.
South Korea's respect and cooperation with China
South Korea's respect for and cooperation with China is the third main reason why it is eager to find out the inside story of the talks between China and North Korea. The ROK and China are close neighbors and important economic, trade, and cultural partners, and the two sides share broad consensus and common interests in many fields and issues. The ROK is well aware of China's important role and status on the Korean Peninsula issue, and respects China's legitimate concerns and reasonable views on the Korean Peninsula issue.
The ROK hopes that through dialogue and cooperation with China, mutual trust and understanding will be enhanced and cooperation and development between the two sides will be promoted. The ROK is eager to find out the inside story of the Sino-DPRK talks in order to understand China's latest views and propositions on the Korean Peninsula issue and China's relations and cooperation with the DPRK, so as to provide some guidance and support for the ROK's relations and cooperation with China.
Conclusion
After the Sino-DPRK meeting, the ROK was eager to find out the inside story and put forward three opinions, which reflected the ROK's complex psychology and stance on the Korean Peninsula issue and also exposed the ROK's predicament and challenges in the trilateral relations between China, the DPRK and the United States.
The Chinese side is dissatisfied with the ROK's move and issued a warning, which shows China's principles and position on the Korean Peninsula issue, and also demonstrates China's confidence and ability in the trilateral relations between China, the DPRK and the United States. The China-DPRK meeting is a new chapter in China-DPRK friendship and cooperation, as well as a new opportunity for peaceful dialogue on the Korean Peninsula issue. It is hoped that the ROK will correctly understand and handle Sino-DPRK relations, strengthen communication and coordination with the Chinese side, and make positive contributions to the settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue.