BEIJING: China and South Korea are calling to strengthen exchanges to defuse the confrontational sentiment of some netizens on the latest controversies which exploded after some of the short-track speed skating events at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, as experts pointed out that some South Korean politicians should stop their irrational hyping of anti-China sentiment but take more positive actions to promote relations as the two countries are embracing the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations this year.
The Chinese Embassy in South Korea on Thursday congratulated skater Hwang Dae-heon for winning South Korea’s first gold medal at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games in the men’s 1,500 meters short track event.
The true charm of the Olympics is not only the “faster, higher, stronger” competitive level it presents, but the spirit of “togetherness” it carries, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy said in a release on Thursday, wishing Chinese and South Korean athletes more achievements at the Beijing 2022.
This came after a fierce controversy between Chinese and South Korean netizens over Hwang and another South Korean skater Lee June-seo being disqualified in the semifinals of the 1,000 meters on Monday.
Echoing the Chinese Embassy’s efforts to defuse the controversy and responding to questions on how to strengthen relations with China, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a joint written interview with Yonhap News Agency and seven other global news agencies on Thursday that communication plays a crucial role in bilateral relations and “we should continue to push for a forward-looking, mature strategic partnership while further revitalizing exchanges and cooperation in wide-ranging areas.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-South Korea diplomatic ties. Analysts called for more positive actions to promote bilateral relations.
Online verbal battles between Chinese and South Korean netizens have escalated in recent days centering on the short track speed staking controversies and other topics.
After Hwang and Lee were disqualified for rule violations on Monday, Chinese athletes Ren Ziwei and Li Wenlong went on to win gold and silver in the event. -The Daily Mail-Global Times News Exchange Item
