Is the media responsible for the state of China-ROK relationship?
Diplomats, scholars explore the role of media in China-ROK relationship
Your host was invited to attend a dialogue between Chinese and Korean diplomats and scholars last week, co-hosted by Grandview Institution, a non-government thinktank, and Korea Foundation, an organization affiliated with the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The theme of the dialogue was the role media can play in enhancing bilateral ties.
Attendees of the event included:
Qiu Guohong, former ambassador of China to South Korea
Wang Yumin, Deputy Director of the ROK desk, Department of Asian Affairs, MoFA
OH Sanghoon, First Secretary, ROK Embassy in China
Piao Guanghai, Fellow, CASS
Li Min, Assistant Fellow, CIIS
Below are their edited remarks.
Qiu Guohong, former ambassador of China to South Korea
If mutual trust is strong between countries, even if there are significant conflicts and differences between them at times, they can still be easily solved. They will not lead to a sharp deterioration of bilateral relations. On the contrary, if there is a lack of mutual trust between countries, even minor and non-essential conflicts can lead to fluctuations in bilateral relations. China-Japan relations, China-ROK relations and Japan-ROK relations have all had good experiences and painful lessons in this regard. Then how can we build genuine mutual trust? In fact, the solutions are not complicated. We just need to understand each other in the correct way. Understanding leads to trust, and it all starts with gaining more knowledge of each other. I would like to share with you my perspectives on how to establish mutual trust, based on my experience as an ambassador stationed in South Korea.
国与国之间，如果相互信任牢固，即使双方有时存在大的矛盾和分歧，它们也是容易得到妥善解决的，不至于导致双边关系急剧恶化。反之，国与国之间如果缺乏相互信任，即使非本质性的问题引起的矛盾和分歧，也有可能引发双边关系跌宕起伏。这方面中日关系、中韩关系以及韩日关系都有过好的经验，也有过惨痛的教训。既然相互信任如此重要，如何才能够构筑真正意义上的相互信任？其实办法并不复杂，只需相互正确了解对方想法即可。只有正确了解对方才有可能理解对方，只有理解对方才有可能信任对方。下面我想结合驻韩工作经历和体会，谈谈相互了解的想法。
During my tenure as the ambassador to South Korea, I went through a process of first misunderstanding it and then gaining a deeper appreciation of the country. Before I was appointed as the Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, I had some working contacts with people in South Korea, but I didn't know much about the country then. Therefore, I couldn't really say that I understood it well. Generally, I had more negative impressions and didn't hold optimistic expectations for the country’s development. After working as the ambassador to South Korea, my understanding of the country changed significantly as I got to know it better. For example, I used to think that Koreans were very sensitive about their historical and cultural ties with China. As I interacted with more Koreans, however, I found that the reality was the opposite. Most of my Korean friends acknowledge the close cultural ties between China and South Korea in history, especially with regard to Confucianism. Some of them even have a better understanding of it than most Chinese people do. Many Koreans hold their ancestry from China in high esteem and are very proud of it.
我本人经历了对韩国有误解到了解韩国、理解韩国的过程。我出任中国驻韩国大使之前，虽然也与韩国人有过不少工作接触和交往，但了解不深入，因此也谈不上理解。总体上是负面印象多一些，甚至并不看好韩国这个国家。到韩国常驻工作后，随着对韩国了解深入，我对韩国认识发生很大的变化。比如过去一直认为韩国朋友十分忌讳历史上同中国有文化上的联系。随着同韩国朋友的交往增多，我发现事实是相反的。大多数韩国朋友不仅认同历史上同中国文化联系密切，特别是儒家思想的精髓，其实比本家的中国传承的还要好，还有不少韩国朋友对祖上来自中国十分看重，甚至自豪。
In the past, I did not consider South Korea to be a genuinely successful country and thought that people there were a bit blindly self-confident. However, after comparing the development histories of Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, I found that only South Korea became a developed country through its own tenacity and effort despite facing extremely unfavorable conditions.
再比如过去我并不认同韩国是真正意义上的成功国家，认为韩国朋友有点盲目自信，之后我通过对日本、新加坡、韩国这三个亚洲发达国家的发展历程做比较后才发现，只有韩国是在各方面条件都非常不利情况下，通过自己的顽强拼搏成为发达国家的。
日本经济上面的成功有明治维新以来超过百年合法和非法的积累，还有二战后朝鲜、越南两场战争特殊军需的助力。新加坡的成功则离不开地处海上交通要道这一特殊有利的地理因素。相比之下韩国光复后，因长期遭受日本殖民统治，既无相应的积累，又无良好的外部环境，还需长期面对半岛剑拔弩张的紧张局势。在如此困难和复杂的内外环境下，韩国还能够创造出“汉江奇迹”，成为公认的发达国家，当然要比日本和新加坡付出更多。在我个人看来更值得尊敬。
Japan's economic success can't be separated from its accumulation over the past century since the Meiji Restoration, as well as the boost of special military needs during the Korean and Vietnamese wars. Singapore's success is closely related to its advantageous geographical location as a major maritime transportation hub. In contrast, after liberation, South Korea lacked the accumulation and favorable external environment due to the long-term colonization by Japan. It had to face the tense situation on the Korean Peninsula for a long time. In such difficult and complex internal and external environments, South Korea could still create the "Miracle on the Han River" and become a recognized developed country. It undoubtedly had to put in more effort than Japan and Singapore. In my personal opinion, this is more worthy of respect.
It is very important to understand each other correctly. I also hope that my Korean friends will have a more objective understanding of China. I have worked in South Korea for nearly six years and have had interactions with various sectors of its society. Many South Korean people are very friendly to China. However, at the same time, I have found that many of them, including those who view China favorably, have some misconceptions about China. The most prominent concern is that China, like some Western countries, will take the path of seeking hegemony after becoming powerful. Will China become a hegemonic power? I suggest everyone consider the answer to this question from three perspectives.
正确了解对方非常重要。我也希望韩国朋友能够更加客观地认识中国。我在韩国长期工作将近六年，同韩国各界都有往来，切身感受到韩国人民对中国人非常友善和友好。但同时我也发现韩国不少朋友，包括对中国很友好的朋友在内，对中国认识也存在一些误区。其中最为突出是担心中国在发展强大后，会同某些西方国家一样，走国强霸权的道路。中国会不会国强必霸？我建议韩国朋友从三个视角观察：
First, from a historical perspective, Chinese ancestors have long known the truth that "though a country is now strong, bellicosity will lead to its ruin." Over 2,000 years ago, China opened the Silk Road and promoted East-West cultural exchange, leaving a trail of mutually beneficial cooperation. Although there have been several short periods of "sibling quarrels" between China and the Korean Peninsula, mutual learning, reciprocal assistance, and common progress have always been the mainstream. In recent times, Chinese people suffered from foreign aggression and the nation from backwardness and subjugation. Having gone through hardships, we Chinese people are more aware of the importance of peace and cherish peace even more, as it has not come easily.
一是历史角度，中国先人早就知道“国虽大好战必亡”的道理。2000多年前中国就开放了丝绸之路，推动东西方文明交流互鉴，留下了互利合作的足迹。中国同半岛关系和历史，虽然有过几次短暂的兄弟吵架时期，但是相互学习、相互帮助、共同进步始终是主流。就近代而言，中国遭受外来侵略，有过落后挨打的屈辱。历经苦难的中国人民最清楚和平的重要性，最珍惜来之不易的和平。
Second, from a cultural perspective, China's culture is characterized by a world view of harmony between humanity and nature. The concept of valuing harmony, treating others with kindness, and “doing to others what you would want them to do to you” have been passed down across generations in China, deeply rooted in the Chinese spirit.
二是文化角度，中华文化崇尚和谐。以和为贵、以人为善、己所不欲勿施于人等理念在中国代代相传，深深植根中国人精神之中，深深体现在中国人精神之上。
Third, from a realistic perspective, China is a country led by the Communist Party. The most important way to understand China is to understand the policies determined by the CPC. The latest ideas and policies for both domestic and foreign affairs can be found in the "Report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China". My Korean friends can have a look if they are interested.
三是现实角度，当今中国是共产党领导的国家，读懂中国共产党确定的政策，是理解中国最为重要的途径。中国最新内外的政策及其理念，都写进了中国《中共二十大报告》当中，有兴趣的韩国朋友可以自己阅读一下。
As we all know, the relationship between China and South Korea went through the most difficult period since their establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, due to the THAAD controversy in 2017, which greatly impacted the communication and cooperation between the two countries. However, we should recognize that although this was a major setback in the development of the China-ROK relations, with some lingering "after-effects" present to this day, it cannot and has not fundamentally overthrown the established paradigm of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation. Given the deep changes in the current international situation and the great uncertainty in the world economy due to the pandemic and trade protectionism implemented by some countries, the common interests of China and South Korea have not decreased but rather increased. The conflicts and differences between the two sides are minimal compared to their common interests.
大家都知道2017年中韩关系因为“萨德事件”，经历了1992年建交以来最为困难的时期，交流与合作受到很大的影响。同时我们也应该看到，这虽然是中韩关系发展过程中一个重大挫折，至今仍有一些“后遗症”存在，但是这一挫折并没有也不可能从根本上颠覆和改变中韩两国业已形成友好相处、合作共赢这一符合历史发展潮流的格局。为什么？因为在当前国际地区形势处于深刻演变，世界经济因疫情和部分国家推行贸易保护主义而存在很大不确定性的大背景下，中韩两国共同利益并没有减少，我认为还是在增加的。应该说双方的矛盾和分析同双方的共同利益相比是渺小的。
In fact, shortly after former president Moon Jae-in was elected, it took less than half a year for China and South Korea to get their relations back on track. China-ROK relations started well when President Yoon Suk-yeol took office in May of last year. Although there are still some problems waiting to be solved, such as how to prevent each other's relationship with the US from interfering with the development of bilateral relations, how to maintain peace and stability on the Peninsula issue and how to control and manage the COVID-19 epidemic scientifically, the overall trend of improvement in their relationship has not changed. After the THAAD incident, with the joint efforts of both sides, China-ROK relation has generally returned to normal, but it has not yet reached an ideal state, which is a reality that we must face. To achieve stable and far-reaching development of the China-ROK relations, both sides should make a lot of effort. In order to promote the China-ROK relation and to develop it in a better and healthier way in the future, I believe that efforts should be focused on the following three aspects.
事实上，文在寅总统当选后不久，中韩双方用了不到半年时间，就让中韩关系重回发展的轨道。尹锡悦总统去年5月就任后，中韩关系开局总体还是良好的，虽然在如何防止各自对美关系干扰中韩关系正常发展、如何维护半岛和平稳定等问题上，中韩双方还需要的一定时间来磨合。在新冠疫情如何科学防控问题上也存在一些分歧。但是两国关系总体向好大趋势并没有改变。“萨德事件后，经过双方共同努力，中韩关系虽然总体上恢复正常发展，但还没有达到理想的状态，这也是我们必须面对一个现实。中韩关系要行稳致远，实现更加稳定、长远的发展，仍然需要双方付出诸多艰巨的努力。如何推动经历重大波折的中韩关系，今后能更好、更健康地发展，我认为当务之急应重点在以下三个方面下好功夫：
The first step is to enhance political mutual trust. I think the fundamental reason for the fluctuations in China-ROK relations is the lack of mutual political trust. To prevent similar issues, especially the recurrence of the THAAD issue, it is necessary to start with enhancing mutual political trust between the two sides. Both China and South Korea should stand at historical height to understand each other, correctly grasp each other's core interests and major concerns, effectively control the conflicts and risks, and avoid misjudgment through strengthening strategic communication.
第一，要在增进政治互信上下功夫。中韩建交以来，中韩关系之所以多次出现波折，我认为其根本原因在于双方政治互信不足。为防止类似问题，特别是像萨德问题的波折再次出现，我们必须从增进双方政治互信入手。中韩双方都应站在历史高度看待对方，正确了解对方的核心利益和重大关切，切实管控好双方矛盾与风险。要通过强化战略沟通，力避误判和误读。
Second, we need to work on expanding common interests to ensure that both China and South Korea can benefit from each other and contribute to the prosperity of the international and regional community. The two countries have extensive common interests in achieving common development, maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, promoting Japan to follow the path of peaceful development, and addressing various global challenges. For deeper coordination and cooperation between China and South Korea, both sides should have a correct understanding of each other, so as to ensure the effectiveness of coordination and cooperation, and to make common interests the anchor of China-ROK relations.
第二，要在扩大共同利益下功夫，确保中韩两国都能互利共赢，并携手为国际和地区的繁荣作贡献。中韩两国在实现共同发展、维护半岛和平稳定、推动日本继续走和平发展道路、应对各种全球性挑战等方面拥有广泛共同利益。中韩两国深化协调合作同样需要相互正确了解，并理解对方。这样才能确保协调合作的有效性，才能让共同利益这一正能量成为中韩关系的压舱石。
Third, efforts should be made to expand cultural exchanges, ensuring a strong foundation for the people-to-people relationship between China and South Korea. Both China and South Korea should find ways to increase their interaction and quickly resume the cultural exchanges that have been affected by the pandemic. In particular, they should further strengthen direct communication between young generations.
第三，要在扩大人文交流上下好功夫，确保中韩关系民间基础牢固。中韩两国应多想办法、多找渠道，扩大相互之间的来往，尽快重启受疫情影响处于停滞状态的两国人文交流，特别是进一步加强两国青少年之间直接交流。
Li Min, Assistant Fellow, CIIS
It's true that media relations between China and South Korea are not ideal at the moment, with negative media reports fueling a vicious cycle. For example, the Chosun Ilbo frequently cites articles from the Global Times, portraying China as a condescending country. Meanwhile, the Global Times often quotes news from the Chosun Ilbo, alleging that South Korean media often distorts facts, etc. Fixing the problems between the media in China and South Korea won't be an easy fix, it'll take time and effort. But from my point of view, It's not all doom and gloom for media relations between China and South Korea. Taking my own experience as an example, last month, I was tasked with writing an editorial for the Global Times, criticizing South Korea's policy of suspending short-term visas for Chinese visitors due to COVID-19 concerns. But after the article was published, I noticed that many of my sharp words had been toned down. Global Times is actually not as anti-Korean as we imagine and it still takes a comprehensive view when reporting the news.
直观来说，中韩目前媒体关系不是太好。中韩两国媒体存在一个恶性共生关系。以《环球时报》和《朝鲜日报》为例。《朝鲜日报》经常引用《环球日报》观点，说明中国是居高临下的国家，《环球日报》经常引用《朝鲜日报》说明韩国媒体多么歪曲事实。从媒体关系来讲，改变两国媒体之间的恶性共生关系需要长期努力。但是从本人经验来说，两国的媒体关系并没有那么悲观。前段时间韩国限制中国游客入境的时候，领导让我写文章投给《环球时报》去批评这个事情。但文章发布后我发现《环球时报》把我很多尖锐的言辞改得更温和了。其实环球时报没有我们想象那么反韩，它还是非常顾全大局的。
Given the characteristics of media in both countries, it's hard to expect a positive shift overnight. Instead, we should encourage them to start small by speaking the truth and presenting the facts. Recently, a South Korean media outlet, OMN, went to China to fact-check a claim that was being sensationalized by other South Korean media about anti-South Korean protests in China and found that this movement didn't actually exist. They pointed out that the media should reflect on itself instead of simply following each other in reporting disinformation. We should encourage the media in both countries to focus more on facts and be truthful in their reporting, starting with small steps towards improving China-ROK relations.
从两国媒体特点来看，很难期待两国媒体能够立刻互相说好话。我们应该鼓励媒体从小的目标开始做起，彼此说真话、说事实。前段时间，我从一位韩国朋友那里得知，有韩国媒体炒作，说中国爆发了“反对韩国一切”的运动。后来韩国的一家媒体OMN专门去中国进行了实地考察，证实这场运动是不存在的，并指出韩国媒体应该多作出自我反思，不应该跟风。我认为我们应该鼓励两国媒体说事实、讲真话，从小目标开始做起，逐渐改善两国关系。
Qiu Guohong, former ambassador of China to South Korea
Let me be blunt about the media issue. It's neither possible nor necessary for media outlets to trust each other. The real solution to our problems is to strengthen the connections between people. One can expect the media to cover the truth, but which truth are they supposed to respect? Chosun Ilbo may report negative news about China that is true, but those negative news can not represent the entire country. That's why I choose to emphasize the importance of interaction and understanding among people. That's the real way to build bridges and strengthen relationships.
刚才那位博士讲到媒体问题，我讲一句不客气的话，媒体之间相互信任既不可能也没有必要。我们要破解这个难题，关键就是增加人与人之间的互信往来。媒体追求热点，你让它尊重事实是没有用的。尊重哪一个事实？《朝鲜日报》有关中国负面的东西，我敢说90%是事实，但是它能代表整个中国吗？不能，从这个意义上讲，对媒体我敢说不能抱幻想。唯一办法就是增进人与人之间的往来。
Wang Yumin, Deputy Director of the ROK desk, Department of Asian Affairs, MoFA
When you look at the current state of media reports in both countries, they do not offer too many reasons to be optimistic about the future of China-ROK relationship. To improve China-ROK relations, the media should take a responsible attitude, be more objective and present a more balanced and realistic picture of the other country to their own citizens. This is really important for facilitating closer relations between the two nations.
两国媒体报道现状让人感觉不是很乐观。就增进两国友好情谊来讲，两国媒体应该发挥作用，采取负责任的态度，更客观地报道新闻。两国媒体应该多一些理性、多一些客观、多一些真实、多一些全面，尽可能向本国国民传递真实、全面、客观的对方国家的情况。这个对于改善我们两国国民感情，进一步深化两国关系非常有意义。
OH Sanghoon, First Secretary, ROK Embassy in China
The media definitely has a big impact on China-ROK relations. Since the year 2000, the media landscape has undergone significant transformations, encompassing not only traditional media but also digital media, thus making it easier to propagate negative influences. I think it's important to report more facts about the other country objectively and without bias. Of course, the media reflects public opinion, so merely changing the media is not sufficient to improve relationships. The improvement of China-ROK relations requires people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Considering the various challenges and environments that media outlets face, it is important to show more understanding and respect towards the media in South Korea.
媒体在中韩关系上确实发挥着很大的作用。特别是2000年以后，整个媒体环境发生了很大的变化，不仅有传统媒体，互联网媒体也是如此，因而更容易引起负面的影响。我认为媒体应该做到正确和客观地报道对方国家的事实。当然媒体本身就是国民想法的反映，如果没有真正改善国民之间的关系，只靠改变媒体作用是没用的，应该实实在在通过人文交流，改善人民关系。各国媒体都面临着不同的环境和难题，我们也应该给予韩国媒体更多的理解。
Piao Guanghai, Fellow, CASS
The youth population in China and South Korea is significant, numbering around 300-400 million and 16 million respectively, and is an important group that will influence the future development of relations between the two countries. Since last year's election in South Korea, "Anti-China is politically correct" has become a prevalent view in South Korea. According to opinion polls in South Korea, the younger generation has become the main force behind the "anti-China" sentiment. However, when analyzing the reasons behind these negative feelings, we must delve deeper than just scratching the surface. The "anti-China" sentiments may be a form of emotional release for young people who are facing a range of pressures such as getting married, having kids, buying houses, etc. Expressing their negative feelings through inciting "anti-Korea" sentiments in cyberspace can be seen as a very cathartic way for them to escape the stress and difficulties of real life. Instead of jumping to conclusions, let's take a step back and try to understand these emotions objectively.
中国40岁以下年轻人大概有3—4亿人，数量很庞大，韩国MZ时代大概有1600万，双方青年群体是未来影响两国关系发展重要的群体。从去年韩国大选以来，韩国国内出现了“反华就是政治正确”的舆论。根据他们的调研，年轻一代成为“反华”主体。从学术研究的角度，我们认为要理解双方青年所谓“仇华”或者“厌华”的情绪不能只停留表面，而要看中韩两国青年现在面临的压力。中韩很多年轻人都面临着结婚、生子、买房等压力，需要找到出口去发泄情绪。怎么发泄？在媒体上宣传反韩、厌韩等。这是他们情绪的表现，我们要理性对待。
I have been observing how the South Korean media reports on China for a long time, and I keep track of the latest news from Korean media almost daily. The way Korean media reports on China is influenced by several factors, including political movements within the country, the media outlets' own perspectives and biases, and the competitiveness of the media industry. For example, politicians may use China as a tool to win more votes in elections, which in turn leads to negative reporting of China.
我一直在观察韩国媒体是怎么报道中国的，每天都在跟踪。我发现韩国的媒体报道主要受几个因素影响。一个韩国的政治运动，政府和政治圈把中国作为在大选、地方选举中获得更多选票的重要因素。这就引导了韩国媒体在对华问题上做一些负面、甚至反华的报道。第二是媒体的立场和观点。第三是韩国媒体生存的环境。我访问过韩国的《中央日报》、《朝鲜日报》。他们告诉我韩国媒体生存环境很激烈，如果不报道一些抓眼球东西，生存就很困难。在韩国，狗咬人不是新闻，人咬狗才是新闻。作为中方学者，我们应该对韩国媒体的生存环境有更充分的理解。
With the development of social media, traditional media has been greatly impacted. I believe that much of the content on South Korean social media platforms is simply another form of emotional outpour and should not be taken seriously. The same is true in China. Of the 1 billion Chinese internet users, a large majority only receive secondary education or even lower. The pressure young people face in China leads them to vent their emotions by saying something negative related to South Korea or Japan.
随着现在自媒体发展，传统媒体受到很大的冲击。自媒体对两国影响很大。我作为研究韩国朝鲜半岛学者来讲，我认为部分韩国自媒体发布的内容就是情绪发泄。千万别当真。包括中国，中国的10亿网民当中大部分是高中以下学历。这些人在现实中有很多压力，使得他们借韩国、日本问题来发泄情绪。
I believe that the media plays a crucial role in enhancing China-ROK relations. I suggest that the media in China and South Korea should establish a mutually beneficial relationship, such as cooperation between the Global Times and the Chosun Ilbo to report certain news together, which can help to reduce misunderstandings. This can not only improve cooperation efficiency between media, but also provide more comprehensive and accurate news coverage for the readers of both sides.
我认为媒体在增进两国友好情谊方面的作用和贡献实在是太重要了。我建议中韩双方媒体之间建立一种姊妹关系，比如环球时报和朝鲜日报建立合作关系，共同报道，也就会减少误解。这样不仅可以提高媒体之间的合作效率，同时也可以为双方读者提供更加全面和准确的新闻报道。
For more Beijing Channel entries on the China-ROK relationship, please read
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very good.