BEIJING: China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, has made racially charged comments directed towards South Korea and Japan, calling on them to understand their “roots” and reject Western influences. His remarks were made during a trilateral forum held in Qingdao, according to state media reports.
Wang Yi, responsible for the ruling Communist Party’s foreign policy, accused Western powers of intentionally emphasizing ideological differences between the countries involved. He advocated for unity among the three nations based on racial commonality, asserting that Europeans and Americans were unable to differentiate between Chinese, Japanese, and South Koreans.
A recording of his speech, shared by the state-run nationalist tabloid, the Global Times, and reported by other Beijing media, highlighted his assertion that physical appearances and attempts to emulate Western traits could not transform them into Westerners.
“We should know where our roots are,” Wang Yi emphasized during his address at the trilateral forum, implying that embracing their own cultural heritage and resisting external influences should be a priority for Japan and South Korea.
China’s Relations with South Korea and Japan
These comments come at a time when Chinese anger towards its East Asian neighbors has been intensifying due to Washington’s efforts to strengthen military and intelligence ties with its close allies in the region. Last month, China’s ambassador to South Korea met with a local opposition leader and expressed dissatisfaction with the deteriorating relationship between the two countries, insinuating that external factors were influencing Seoul. This led to the summoning of the Chinese ambassador by the South Korean government.
Furthermore, China has expressed strong opposition to Japan’s plan to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, raising tensions between the two countries.
Wang Yi’s statements reflect the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in East Asia, highlighting China’s assertiveness and its emphasis on cultural identity and autonomy.
