SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing on Wednesday warned that the world is facing a period of historic upheaval and urged South Korea to stand firm against rising protectionism by maintaining close economic ties with China.
Dai made the remarks during the Korea Economic Design Forum (KEDF), held at the CCMM Building in Seoul's Yeouido district. The event marked the seventh anniversary of Economic Daily and was co-sponsored by Aju News Corporation, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Korean Industries, the Korea Employers Federation, and the Korea International Trade Association.
"In the midst of this turmoil, economic globalization and international cooperation are facing strong headwinds," Dai said, referring to ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the United States' involvement that has, in his view, rattled the global order. "Unilateralism and protectionism are reemerging, and the momentum for global growth is weakening, leaving many economies grappling with serious challenges."
He criticized Washington's trade policy for imposing sweeping tariffs on all trading partners, calling it harmful to the global economy and multilateral trade norms. "This approach has inflicted significant damage on the global economic order and has heightened uncertainty in global politics and the economy," he said.
Dai emphasized that Beijing had taken firm countermeasures, aimed not only at defending China's legitimate interests but also at "safeguarding international fairness and justice." He added, "Objectively, this has also provided other countries with more time and space for negotiation."
Although China and the U.S. have reached some tentative agreements, Dai cautioned that follow-through was essential. "The U.S. must act with credibility and sincerity in carrying out those results," he said. "Threats and pressure against China will not work."
On South Korea–China relations, Dai said the two countries' economies are deeply connected through supply and industrial chains. He called both nations "important global economic players" and urged them to work together to defend free trade and stable supply networks. "Both sides should uphold principles and firmly oppose protectionism," he said.
Dai also made a direct appeal to South Korean companies, framing China not as a competitor to avoid but as a market full of opportunity. "China's massive market, complete industrial system, and continued push for openness are powerful engines for bilateral cooperation," he said. "Investing in China means investing in the future. If you lose the Chinese market, you lose the foundation to talk about global strategy."
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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