China has scolded South Korean and Japanese lawmakers for visiting Taiwan to attend President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration. Lai who had won elections in January was sworn in on Monday.
China who regards Lai as a “separatist” has opposed the visits. Its embassies in South Korea and Japan have lodged protests with the two northeastern nations. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in South Korea said the move runs counter to the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership. The Chinese embassy in Japan said the visit contravened Sino-Japanese commitments.
However, the Chinese protests are not likely to make much difference for now. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi called Taiwan “an extremely important partner and friend of our country.” He added that Japan’s stance was to deepen cooperation and exchanges at the non-governmental level.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said last year that the issue of Taiwan was a “global issue.” It was not just an issue between China and Taiwan.
China, South Korea, and Japan are due to have a trilateral summit in Seoul next week, despite these irritants. The summit is the first summit since 2019 and is expected to be between May 26-27. However, official dates have not been fixed yet. Sources say that Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to attend in place of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He will meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The agenda is not clear, but according to a report in the Japan Times trade and investment, peace and security, and science and technology are expected to be the issues discussed. The summit is expected to culminate with a joint statement highlighting cooperation on economic issues and infectious diseases.
(REUTERS/AGENCIES)
