S.Korean media should understand reciprocal relationship

By Liu Zhun Source:Global Times Published: 2016/8/1 0:03:39

You Sang-chul, former Beijing bureau chief of South Korea's biggest media organization JoongAng Ilbo, wrote a sharp article against the Global Times recently, saying the outspoken newspaper is notorious for its "unscrupulous rhetoric."

You's discontent with the Global Times is mainly due to the newspaper's editorial criticism of South Korea allowing the US to deploy the anti-missile Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system, which is seen by China as a direct threat to its national security. He is deeply worried that given the popularity of the Global Times, South Korea's image will be jeopardized in the controversial incident. He requires South Korea to "adopt strong measures against the Global Times," saying "If there are fabricated or irresponsible reports in the newspaper, South Korea must demand it rectify these mistakes."

You's argument is evasive about how the Global Times, and many other outspoken Chinese media outlets, expressed their expectation for development of Sino-South Korean ties and recognition of the "honeymoon period" after President Park Geun-hye took office in 2013. Basically in the past three years, the Park administration's China diplomacy was in line with the common interests of China and South Korea, and both governments could manage their disagreements in control, especially about the deployment of THAAD.

However, regardless of China's persuasion through various channels, including the Global Times' reports about the opposition of the Chinese people, South Korea still made an arbitrary and disrespectful decision to approve THAAD. This might be the most serious conflict between China and South Korea over security issues since the Korean War (1950-53). China respects South Korea's legitimate rights of national defense, but none of its decisions can be made at the cost of China's national security.

South Korea's wayward move has smashed the vulnerable balance in Northeast Asia, and given an impetus to the US to gain the upper hand in the entire landscape. In this circumstance, China would be a fool to continue respecting the so-called friendship with South Korea rather than coming up with countermeasures to offset the burgeoning security threats to its national interests. The Chinese media must also brace itself for the abrupt change.

Before blaming China and the Chinese media for harming Sino-South Korean ties, South Korean media and pundits should ask themselves whether their requirements are too much to be met. How can they expect China to promote bilateral relations if South Korea remains on a dangerous path to threaten China's security with the US on its back?

South Korea is a major stakeholder in Northeast Asia, but it cannot afford to play the game aggressively, especially with powerhouses around. In order to secure its interests, South Korea must look at the big picture.

Posted in: Observer

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