U.S. NSC criticizes Chinese ambassador's recent remarks

John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, answers questions during a daily White House press briefing in Washington on Monday. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

A ranking White House official called Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming's recent comments a "pressure tactic" on Monday.

John Kirby, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson, criticized Xing's remarks after the Chinese diplomat said it would be wrong to bet on China's defeat in its competition with the United States, accusing Korea of siding with the U.S.

Kirby said Xing may have been seeking to put pressure on Seoul.

"It certainly appears as if there was some sort of pressure tactic here used," he told reporters in a daily briefing.

"Korea is a sovereign, independent nation, a terrific ally and a great friend not just in the region but around the world, and they have every right to make the kinds of foreign policy decisions they deem are appropriate," Kirby added.

Seoul has expressed its discontent, with a presidential official underscoring that inappropriate remarks by an ambassador could undermine the national interests of both the home and host countries.

Kirby said the United States continues to be grateful for the support Korea provides, "particularly with respect to Ukraine."

Yonhap