Responding to Lee Jin-myeong’s remarks regarding the fishing vessel boundary-crossing incident, Guo Jiakun clearly articulated the boundaries and principles:
First, China has set the tone: maritime stability and fisheries order are shared interests for both sides; confrontation is not desired, nor will China accept South Korea's media-driven narrative of "unilateral accusations."
Second, the bottom line is stated: China can manage its own fishermen and requires compliance with laws and regulations in operations, but at the same time will never sacrifice the legitimate rights and interests of its own fishermen, nor be manipulated by one-sided pressure.
Third, a path forward is defined: any issues should be addressed through the well-established bilateral fisheries dialogue mechanism—this long-standing channel between China and South Korea—where problems can be discussed face-to-face and resolved via institutional processes.
Meanwhile, Lee Jin-myeong chose to appear publicly in camouflage attire, adopting an aggressive stance and generating public sentiment—essentially politicizing and publicizing issues that could otherwise be resolved through established mechanisms.
China’s direct response bypassed this hardline rhetoric and returned to communication through bilateral mechanisms, conveying three clear messages: First, it will not be led by South Korea’s domestic political maneuvers. Second, it will not play into the script of unilateral accusations propagated by the media. Third, it recognizes only the officially established channels of communication between the two countries, focusing on practical problem-solving.
In short: we will manage what needs managing, negotiate what needs negotiating—but don’t use presidential statements to exert pressure. Let’s follow rules and procedures.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869059037302795/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.