China Welcomes ROK's Reaffirmed Stance on One-China Principle

China has welcomed recent statements from a senior Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Ministry official reaffirming the one-China principle as outlined in the foundational China-ROK joint communique. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed a positive view of these remarks during a regular press briefing on Thursday, highlighting the importance of consistent adherence to the political understanding that has underpinned bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Reaffirmation of the Joint Communique

Nam Jin, director-general for Northeast Asian and Central Asian Affairs at the ROK's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told media on June 18 that the joint communique states "the government of the Republic of Korea recognizes the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China and respects China's position that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of China." He stressed that this stance of the ROK remains unchanged.

The spokesperson noted that this public reiteration by a high-ranking diplomat demonstrates the ROK's commitment to the principles agreed upon at the normalization of diplomatic relations. It also serves as a clear signal that Seoul continues to respect China's core interests, particularly regarding the Taiwan question, which Beijing considers a matter of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Consistent Position from President Lee Jae Myung

The spokesperson also highlighted that before departing for China in January, ROK President Lee Jae Myung stated in an interview with Chinese media that "the fundamental positions underpinning ROK-China relations were established at the outset of diplomatic ties and are principled and foundational. It can be stated unequivocally that the ROK government has always adhered to this position and has never deviated from it."

President Lee further noted that "with regard to China's most core concern, the Taiwan question, the ROK will, as always, uphold its position of respecting the one-China stance." Later, during his state visit to China, President Lee reiterated that the ROK respects China's core interests and major concerns and adheres to the one-China principle, according to the spokesperson.

Implications for Bilateral Relations

These consistent affirmations at the highest levels of the ROK government underscore the importance both nations place on maintaining a stable and predictable relationship. China expects that the ROK will continue to honor its political commitments and abide by the one-China principle to uphold the political foundation of China-ROK relations.

The Chinese spokesperson expressed hope and confidence that the ROK will stay true to the shared will that led to the establishment of diplomatic ties. This mutual understanding is seen as essential for fostering cooperation on regional and global issues, from trade and economic development to security challenges in Northeast Asia.