Former ambassador to Seoul recalls negotiations in 1992 over bilateral ties


JEJU ― Establishing the relationship between South Korea and China two decades ago was not an easy process as they faced diplomatic challenges ― for Seoul to sever ties with Taiwan and for Beijing to upset North Korea.

Zhang Tingyan, who served as Beijing’s first ambassador to Seoul from 1992-1998, recalled his memories of the bilateral negotiations over the new relationship, which he noted has deepened and widened in many aspects since 1992.

“We have a traditional friendship with the North. Pyongyang told us not to open ties and have any relationship with Seoul. It called upon Beijing not to recognize Korea on the grounds that it does not share communist values,” he told The Korea Herald.

“As the Cold War system disintegrated, we, China, came out of it and recognized South Korea. There were many countries that had ties with both Seoul and Pyongyang. We had to ride this international trend not to be isolated (from the international society).”

Zhang, currently vice president of the China-South Korea Friendship Association, came here to attend the 7th Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity.

Noting that there has been some diplomatic friction over China’s claim to jurisdiction over Ieodo, a submerged reef within the overlapping exclusive economic zones of South Korea and China, and other issues, Zhang stressed the need to resolve them through dialogue and efforts to enhance mutual understanding.

“Through dialogue, we need to broaden our mutual understanding and deepen our trust and friendship. Then, we can gradually resolve them. I personally believe that these issues are secondary, not mainstream ones, in the bilateral relationship,” he said.

Zhang in particular emphasized that such issues should not be publicized or exaggerated in the media as it could hurt public sentiment in both countries and, in turn, worsen bilateral ties.

Touching on the recent international criticism of North Korea continuing its military adventurism including the April rocket launch, Zhang showed concerns that too much pressure on Pyongyang will not be a good idea.

“We have had a consistent policy toward North Korea, but it is true that there have been some little adjustments. But as we have a friendly relationship with the North, our stance is that we should not place any big pressure or criticism on North Korea,” he said.

“We should encourage the North to come out to the international community and that is what we have so far been doing.”

Concerning the possibility of the North adopting reforms and an open-door policy, Zhang said that Pyongyang may do so in a gradual, step-by-step fashion.

“I believe the North is trying to look for openness and a reform policy that can best fit its society and cater to its needs. As circumstances are different from ours in China, we don’t pressure the North to follow our style of reform,” he said.

“The North will gradually change as its leadership changes. I guess giving too much pressure or attention to its reform efforts is not that desirable as it takes time and will not take place in one or two days.”

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)