Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity on September 17, 2025. Photo: Official WeChat account of the Chinese Embassy in South Korea

Certain major powers, in pursuit of hegemony, have suppressed other countries, formed cliques, and fueled conflicts — acts that have directly undermined regional stability and China-South Korea relations. Bilateral relations, however, are independent and autonomous, neither aimed at any third party nor subject to external control, said Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing on Wednesday.

Dai made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity. During the ceremony, Dai highlighted the recent sacrifice of South Korean Coast Guard officer Lee Jae-suk, who died in the line of duty while rescuing a Chinese national on September 11.

"My colleagues, numerous Chinese nationals and I all extend our deep condolences and highest respect to Lee for his heroic sacrifice," Dai said. He also recalled how the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) rescued eight crew members from a Jeju fishing boat last May, saying that he was happy to see representatives from the CCG present at the event that day. 

Such heartwarming stories, Dai noted, are vivid reflections of the longstanding friendship between China and South Korea.

Dai said that over the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-South Korea relations have achieved comprehensive and rapid development and brought great benefits to the two peoples. In retrospect, the historic decision to establish diplomatic relations was "absolutely correct," he added.

The two neighboring countries have achieved mutual success and common development, with their relations extending beyond the bilateral level to play a positive role inregional peace, stability, development and prosperity, Dai said, adding that no one in either country can deny this.

The ambassador also noted that it is necessary for both sides to remain committed to the original purpose of establishing diplomatic ties, deepen their understanding of each other and the international situation in keeping with the times and think objectively and rationally about how to achieve good-neighborliness, friendship and mutual benefit.

"We should not be held hostage by geopolitics, view each other through tinted glasses, or even refuse to face reality," Dai said. This is an important foundation for promoting the sound and stable development of China-South Korea relations under the new circumstances.

"Since I took office as Chinese Ambassador to South Korea nearly nine months ago, what strikes me most is that enhancing friendly cooperation is in the best interests of both sides and also the aspiration of the vast majority of people in both countries," Dai said. The current low ebb in public opinions between China and South Korea is the result of multiple and complex factors. Both sides are encouraged to attach great importance to this issue and work in the same direction. 

Dai called for more face-to-face exchanges between the peoples of the two countries, especially the younger generations, so as to promote mutual understanding, dispel misunderstandings and strengthen friendships, Dai said.

Since the new South Korean government took office,senior officials from both countries have engaged in positive and friendly interactions. Exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in economic, trade, cultural, people-to-people and sub-national fields have grown more active, and bilateral relations are now facing new opportunities for improvement and development, said the ambassador. 

It is hoped that both sides will uphold the principles of objectivity and fairness, resolve issues through friendly communication, and refrain from deliberate hyping or even political manipulation of such issues.

"We should all have full confidence in the continuous improvement of friendly public opinion between China and South Korea," Dai said.

Global Times