Outgoing Chinese envoy says he will work to advance Seoul-Beijing relations

Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming enters the Foreign Ministry in central Seoul on Thursday to pay a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul ahead of his departure from the post. [YONHAP]

Outgoing Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming vowed Thursday to continue making efforts to boost bilateral relations between South Korea and China as he prepares to leave Seoul, a year after sparking a furor over his controversial remarks.

Xing's planned departure later this month comes amid cooling Seoul-Beijing relations as President Yoon Suk Yeol has taken the approach of aligning closely with the United States.

The Chinese envoy said in June last year that "those who bet" on China's defeat in its rivalry with the U.S. "will definitely regret it," prompting South Korea to call for "appropriate" measures, widely seen as pressure on China to recall the ambassador. Some lawmakers called for designating him as a "persona non grata."

Xing said he has worked hard to advance the relationship between South Korea and China, after a moment of silence when asked by a reporter if he had any regrets.

"I am grateful for the support I have received from the South Korean government and various sectors," Xing told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul earlier in the day. It is known to be the first time that Xing met with Cho since Cho took office as foreign minister in January this year.

He has made few public appearances since he came under fire over his negative comments about the Yoon government's foreign policy. Xing has since reportedly been experiencing difficulties meeting with government officials in South Korea.

"I will continue to cherish these valuable experiences and strive for the development of China-South Korea relations," Xing said.

In the brief meeting with Xing, Cho acknowledged the efforts Xing has put in as ambassador for the past 4-and-a-half years and asked him to continue to do his part to help promote the friendly relationship of the two countries, Lim Soo-suk, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said in a briefing.

Xing began his term as China's top envoy to Seoul in January 2020. He is recognized for his extensive knowledge and experience in Korea-related affairs, including his fluency in Korean.

Some observers say Xing's planned departure indicates Beijing's effort to improve ties with Seoul amid signs of the two sides trying to better manage their bilateral relations amid North Korea's close alignment with Russia.

Yonhap