CaliToday (01/1/2026): BEIJING – In a pointed diplomatic maneuver just days before a high-stakes summit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi explicitly urged South Korea to align its stance with Beijing regarding historical disputes with Japan, slamming Tokyo’s leadership for what he termed "revisionist" ambitions.
The call, held on December 31 with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, sets a tense backdrop for President Lee Jae-myung’s imminent state visit to China.
The "History and Aggression" Dispute During the teleconference, Wang Yi launched a scathing critique of certain Japanese politicians a thinly veiled reference to the administration of Japanese Prime Minister Takaiti Sanae. Wang accused Tokyo of "conspiring to overturn the history of aggression and colonization," warning that such moves threaten regional stability.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, these remarks were triggered by Prime Minister Takaiti’s recent comments regarding a potential crisis scenario in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing views her statement not merely as defense policy, but as a deliberate attempt to "revise history and escalate confrontation."
"We trust that South Korea will maintain a responsible stance toward history and its people," Wang told his counterpart, effectively asking Seoul to coordinate with Beijing to check Japan's influence.
The Taiwan Red Line Beyond historical grievances, Wang pressed Seoul on the sensitive issue of Taiwan. He demanded strict adherence to the "One China" principle, signaling that this remains the prerequisite for deepening bilateral ties. The Chinese envoy emphasized that South Korea must remain vigilant against external forces implying Japan and the U.S. attempting to internationalize the Taiwan issue.
Strategic Timing: The Lee-Xi Summit The diplomatic offensive comes at a critical juncture. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to visit China from January 4 to 7, where he will hold summit talks with President Xi Jinping.
Analysts suggest Beijing is seizing this moment to drive a wedge between Seoul and Tokyo. By highlighting shared historical trauma regarding Japanese colonization, China hopes to pull the pragmatist administration of Lee Jae-myung closer into its economic and political orbit, countering the U.S.-led security architecture in Northeast Asia.
Seoul’s Balancing Act The South Korean response remains cautious. According to Seoul’s Foreign Ministry, Minister Cho Hyun reaffirmed President Lee’s commitment to substantive cooperation with China and stated that South Korea’s adherence to the "One China" policy remains unchanged.
However, the readout notably omitted any direct agreement with Wang’s call for a joint "anti-Japan" front. As President Lee prepares to land in Beijing, he faces the delicate task of strengthening economic ties with China without alienating Japan or the United States.