Tokyo, 19 March, /AJMEDIA/
China has expressed opposition to the formation of “closed and exclusive blocs” in reference to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to Japan, warning its two Asian neighbors against joining U.S.-led efforts to contain Beijing.
Asked about Yoon’s Japan trip, the first in 12 years by a South Korean leader, except for visits intended for participation in international conferences, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that Beijing hopes the two neighbors’ relationship “can develop in a direction that is conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity.”
The South Korean leader’s visit to Tokyo came after Seoul announced a proposal to settle a wartime labor dispute with Japan.
Wang said that China and South Korea both suffered “serious disasters” caused by the aggression of Japanese militarism and colonial rule in the past.
His remarks are believed to indicate Beijing’s willingness to maintain close ties with Seoul amid concerns over South Korea strengthening its security cooperation with Japan and the United States.
The spokesman also said China, Japan and South Korea are important economic and trade partners to one another, and jointly maintaining the stability of regional and global supply chains is in line with their common interests.
China has been wary about the “Chip 4” alliance, or a U.S.-led framework to help ensure a stable supply of semiconductors involving Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, aimed at reducing Chinese involvement.
Washington has introduced a sweeping set of export controls on certain high-end semiconductors and chip technologies that Beijing could use to enhance its military systems.
