It really shouldn’t be surprising that Ambassador Harris is emphasizing Korea’s security alliance with the ROK while the Chinese Ambassador is emphasizing their economic relationship:
U.S. Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris, right, and Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming greet each other with an elbow bump during a VIP tea meeting prior to a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of The Korea Times at the Lotte Hotel Seoul, Thursday. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
The top envoys to Korea of the United States and China brought up issues that each other’s country is being criticized of, during their respective congratulatory speeches during a ceremony commemorating The Korea Times’ 70th anniversary, Thursday.
The speeches, whether intended or not, left the impression among several participants that the Washington-Beijing row has been extended to their envoys here.
In relations with Korea and changes in the global environment, U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris mentioned the two countries’ security alliance; while Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming commented on the economic cooperation between Seoul and Beijing.
I think all of us that follow these issues know why this is:
New Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming, wearing a protective mask, speaks to reporters. Yonhap
In all fairness, one may wonder why the “new” Chinese ambassador to Seoul was given a free pass on his diplomatic gaffe, while the U.S. ambassador ― who was born to a Japanese mother ― was pilloried over his mustache that critics compared to the facial hair of Japanese colonial-period leaders preying on Koreans.
If one were to draw comparisons of Ambassador Harry Harris to Japan’s cruel governor-general during that country’s 1940-1945 occupation, then it would be justified in comparing Ambassador Xing Haiming to arrogant senior messengers from Ming or Qing emperors who treated Joseon kings as their subordinates.
