On Monday, China expressed its commitment to fostering “healthy and stable” relations with South Korea following the Constitutional Court’s initiation of proceedings against impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.
South Korea’s parliament suspended Yoon from office on Saturday due to his failed attempt to suspend civilian rule, leading to one of Asia’s major economies facing its most severe political turmoil in recent years. The Constitutional Court has approximately six months to decide whether to uphold the impeachment.
“South Korea is an important neighbor and cooperative partner for China. Promoting the healthy and stable development of China-South Korea relations aligns with the shared interests of both nations,” said Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, during a regular press briefing on Monday.
“China’s policy toward South Korea remains consistent and stable,” Lin emphasized, adding that maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is in the interests of all parties, necessitating efforts from all sides.
Asked about the impeachment directly, Lin declined to comment, stating that it is a matter of South Korea’s internal affairs.
The two countries are major trade partners but have long been at odds politically. China’s Communist Party remains North Korea’s primary economic and political supporter, while South Korea is a key U.S. ally with a strong American military presence. Relations between Washington and Beijing have deteriorated further in recent years.
Last week, Yoon suggested in a defiant speech that South Korea’s main opposition had obstructed his efforts to strengthen anti-espionage laws aimed at curbing Chinese nationals suspected of spying on South Korean defense and intelligence operations. Beijing responded by expressing “deep surprise and dissatisfaction,” accusing Yoon’s comments of damaging bilateral relations.
