A shift in South Korean policy in recent months towards the United States and Japan has strained relations with China.
This week, tensions culminated in South Korea approving the full rollout of Terminal High-Altitude Air Defence missiles (THAAD).
South Korea’s major trading partner, China, has been outspoken in its opposition to the deployment of THAAD due to concerns that the system’s radar could be used to spy on Chinese territory.
The Chinese ambassador to South Korea, Xing Haiming, caused a stir earlier this month when he predicted that South Korea will come to regret its decision to improve ties with the United States over a dinner with legislators.
Politicians from the ruling party, including President Yoon Suk Yeol, blasted Ambassador Xing for his remarks, saying they were unfit for someone whose job it is to promote international goodwill. Xing was called in to Seoul’s foreign ministry to file a formal complaint.
China has previously used the tools of wolf wanker diplomacy, including sanctions on group tours to South Korea and performances by South Korean entertainers, to bully a reversal on THAAD.
I expect the ROK will also join the blockade of high-end chips to China in due course.
With Washington signing deals in India like confetti, welcoming the Philippines back into the fold, blocking chip development, revitalising the NATO alliance, as well as pursuing the Quad and AUKUS, we have a lot to thank Chinese wolf wankers for.
