China has issued a warning to South Korea over its decision to allow Taiwanese citizens to participate in the Summit for Democracy, which is taking place in the Republic of Korea. This move, along with South Korea's outspoken stance on issues such as the South China Sea and Taiwan, has heightened tensions between Beijing and Seoul.
When questioned about South Korea's decision, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stated, "China firmly opposes the ROK inviting the Taiwan authorities to participate in the so-called Summit for Democracy. There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Any attempts by external forces to interfere in China’s internal affairs, and connive at and support 'Taiwan independence' are doomed to failure." Jian further asserted that China has urged South Korea to abide by the one-China principle and cease their support for Taiwan independence, a cause he described as "doomed to failure".
In a separate briefing held on March 12, another Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin also cautioned South Korea against adopting a position antagonistic towards China so as not to strain their bilateral relations. As reported by Voice of America, there are concerns within South Korea about Beijing escalating matters in the South China Sea following reports that Chinese coast guard ships had deployed water cannons against a Philippine vessel. Despite Beijing's claims over Taiwan as part of its territory, it should be noted that Taiwan has never been under Chinese rule.
According to an issue brief by the Atlantic Council, economic interdependence between Indo-Pacific countries and China has emboldened Beijing and threatens interests of both South Korea and the United States. The People's Republic of China (PRC) has reportedly used its economic leverage to influence policy decisions within this region. Notably, strong trade ties exist between South Korea and China; ties which Beijing has allegedly used to dissuade South Korea from expanding US missile defense assets in the region. For two decades, the PRC was South Korea's primary market for international trade, but in 2023, the United States assumed this position.
