On September 3, a reporter asked: The Chinese curatorial team announced the withdrawal of their participation in the Gwangju Biennale in South Korea due to the incorrect actions regarding Taiwan. They expressed strong protest. The Chinese Embassy in South Korea has spoken out on this matter. What is China's comment regarding this?
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said that the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea clearly stated that the government of the Republic of Korea recognizes the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China, and respects China's position that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of China. Since the beginning of this year, the South Korean side has repeatedly stated that its commitment to the one-China principle remains unchanged.The organizers of the Gwangju Biennale in South Korea stubbornly adhered to incorrect practices, allowing the Chinese region of Taiwan to use a name that completely does not correspond to their status during the exhibition. This openly violates the one-China principle. China firmly opposes this and has taken formal notice of the South Korean side, demanding that the relevant parties immediately correct their wrongful actions. We hope that the South Korean government will adhere to its political commitments, take responsibility, and practice the one-China principle through concrete actions.The Democratic Progressive Party's authorities are using cultural exchanges, conferences, and exhibitions as opportunities to carry out political maneuvers and make provocative moves aimed at achieving independence. Their motives are malicious, and their methods are despicable. However, their political ambitions will not succeed.
According to Yonhap, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the same day regarding the establishment of a 'Taiwan Pavilion' at the Gwangju Biennale, that South Korea respects the basic principle of 'one China', and that the related events have nothing to do with the government's stance on Taiwan.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Park Doo-jun emphasized at a regular press conference on the same day that South Korea's basic stance on the Taiwan issue remains unchanged. The related matters are decisions made in the field of culture and art based on private judgment, and have nothing to do with South Korea's stance on the Taiwan issue. He also expressed the hope that this matter will not affect South-Korean-Chinese relations and the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
