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Japan Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Today
China displaces old foe Japan in South Koreans' minds ahead of vote
Anti-Chinese feeling has spread among South Koreans -- online, at right-wing rallies and in Seoul's Chinatown. By Oliver Hotham and Lillian Ding Shops selling steaming snacks line the streets of Seoul's Daerim neighborhood, home to thousands of ethnic Chinese, some feeling the pressure from mounting anti-Beijing sentiment ahead of South Korea's election. China has displaced longtime foe and former colonial power Japan in many South Koreans' minds as the country's most distrusted neighbor in recent years. And ahead of Tuesday's vote, anti-Chinese feeling has spread among South Koreans -- online, at right-wing rallies and in Seoul's Chinatown. Many of the quarter's Chinese residents, such as 74-year-old Yu Shunzi, flocked to South Korea seeking economic opportunities in the 1990s and 2000s. "A lot of Koreans still think China is a very backward country and discriminate against Chinese a lot," she told AFP. Yu, who arrived in 2007 from the northeastern Chinese province of Heilongjiang, said the situation is so bad that she planned to move back when the economy allowed. "I want to go home, but with the exchange rate being this low, I'd lose a lot of money," she said. While former colonial master Japan has long had a difficult relationship with South Korea, Seoul's ties with China have increasingly come under the spotlight. In 2022, polling conducted by Hankook Research showed for the first time that South Koreans distrusted China more than they did Japan -- a trend that has continued in recent years. Former leader Yoon Suk Yeol referred to vague allegations of Chinese spying when he tried to justify his declaration of martial law, which led to his ousting. Conspiracy theories have since run rampant among the South Korean right, fueling the distrust. But analysts also say that a series of clashes between Beijing and Seoul in recent years over history, territory and defense are the deeper cause of the schism. "China's growing assertiveness is the main reason behind South Korea's negative views about the country," said Ramon Pacheco Pardo from King's College London. "Most South Koreans have no affinity towards today's China," the international relations professor told AFP. Seoul has long trodden a fine line between top trading partner China and defense guarantor the United States. Relations with China nosedived in 2016 following the South's decision to deploy the US-made THAAD missile defense system. Beijing saw it as a threat to its own security and reacted furiously, imposing a string of restrictions on South Korean businesses and banning group tours as part of sweeping economic retaliation. A series of public spats about the origins of Korean cultural staples such as kimchi, which China had claimed as its own, also left a bitter taste. Yoon's administration deepened that divide, cleaving close to the United States and seeking to improve ties with Japan. "Under his leadership, Seoul made its position unmistakably clear: it stood with Washington and its allies, not Beijing," Claudia Kim, assistant professor at City University of Hong Kong, told AFP. Opposition leader and election frontrunner Lee Jae-myung has publicly hinted that a softer line might be in the works if he wins. Beijing won't "miss the opportunity to improve relations with the South" if Lee wins, Cheong Seong-chang at Seoul's Sejong Institute told AFP, suggesting a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping could even take place. Lee has also raised alarm bells by saying that a future conflict between China and Taiwan would not be South Korea's concern. That could put him on a collision course with the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has made containing China a cornerstone of its bid to reshape the international order. "Trump's focus on deterring China may lead to a mismatch of foreign policy priorities with Lee," Edward Howell, a lecturer in politics at the University of Oxford, told AFP. Compounding deepening distrust of China has been a surge of conspiracy theories. Analysis by AFP revealed many of the most widely-circulated pieces of misinformation tap into fears of meddling by China. Rallies in support of ex-president Yoon have featured calls to oust alleged "pro-Chinese Communist Party" forces, as well as posters with anti-Chinese slurs and slogans advocating for Chinese nationals to be deported. A recent editorial in Beijing's state-run nationalist tabloid Global Times condemned "far-right" forces in South Korea for "stirring up xenophobia" against Chinese people. In Seoul's Chinatown, Li Jinzi, 73, complained about a culture of "misinformation" that was breeding negative feelings towards her home country. "Fake news breeds misunderstandings," she said. © 2025 AFP
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
China Displaces Old Foe Japan in South Koreans' Minds Ahead of Vote
Ichiro Ohara / The Yomiuri Shimbun Citizens gather for a rally in Seoul on Saturday. SEOUL(AFP-Jiji) — Shops selling steaming snacks line the streets of Seoul's Daerim neighbourhood, home to thousands of ethnic Chinese, some feeling the pressure from mounting anti-Beijing sentiment ahead of South Korea's election. China has displaced longtime foe and former colonial power Japan in many South Koreans' minds as the country's most distrusted neighbour in recent years. And ahead of Tuesday's vote, anti-Chinese feeling has spread among South Koreans — online, at right-wing rallies and in Seoul's Chinatown. Many of the quarter's Chinese residents, such as 74-year-old Yu Shunzi, flocked to South Korea seeking economic opportunities in the 1990s and 2000s. 'A lot of Koreans still think China is a very backward country and discriminate against Chinese a lot,' she told AFP. Yu, who arrived in 2007 from the northeastern Chinese province of Heilongjiang, said the situation is so bad that she planned to move back when the economy allowed. 'I want to go home, but with the exchange rate being this low, I'd lose a lot of money,' she said. While former colonial master Japan has long had a difficult relationship with South Korea, Seoul's ties with China have increasingly come under the spotlight. In 2022, polling conducted by Hankook Research showed for the first time that South Koreans distrusted China more than they did Japan — a trend that has continued in recent years. 'No affinity' towards China Former leader Yoon Suk Yeol referred to vague allegations of Chinese spying when he tried to justify his declaration of martial law, which led to his ousting. Conspiracy theories have since run rampant among the South Korean right, fuelling the distrust. But analysts also say that a series of clashes between Beijing and Seoul in recent years over history, territory and defence are the deeper cause of the schism. 'China's growing assertiveness is the main reason behind South Korea's negative views about the country,' said Ramon Pacheco Pardo from King's College London. 'Most South Koreans have no affinity towards today's China,' the international relations professor told AFP. Seoul has long trodden a fine line between top trading partner China and defence guarantor the United States. Relations with China nosedived in 2016 following the South's decision to deploy the US-made THAAD missile defence system. Beijing saw it as a threat to its own security and reacted furiously, imposing a string of restrictions on South Korean businesses and banning group tours as part of sweeping economic retaliation. A series of public spats about the origins of Korean cultural staples such as kimchi, which China had claimed as its own, also left a bitter taste. Yoon's administration deepened that divide, cleaving close to the United States and seeking to improve ties with Japan. 'Under his leadership, Seoul made its position unmistakably clear: it stood with Washington and its allies, not Beijing,' Claudia Kim, assistant professor at City University of Hong Kong, told AFP. Opposition leader and election frontrunner Lee Jae-myung has publicly hinted that a softer line might be in the works if he wins. Beijing won't 'miss the opportunity to improve relations with the South' if Lee wins, Cheong Seong-chang at Seoul's Sejong Institute told AFP, suggesting a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping could even take place. Lee has also raised alarm bells by saying that a future conflict between China and Taiwan would not be South Korea's concern. That could put him on a collision course with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which has made containing China a cornerstone of its bid to reshape the international order. 'Trump's focus on deterring China may lead to a mismatch of foreign policy priorities with Lee,' Edward Howell, a lecturer in politics at the University of Oxford, told AFP. Fake news thrives Compounding deepening distrust of China has been a surge of conspiracy theories. Analysis by AFP revealed many of the most widely-circulated pieces of misinformation tap into fears of meddling by China. Rallies in support of ex-president Yoon have featured calls to oust alleged 'pro-Chinese Communist Party' forces, as well as posters with anti-Chinese slurs and slogans advocating for Chinese nationals to be deported. A recent editorial in Beijing's state-run nationalist tabloid Global Times condemned 'far-right' forces in South Korea for 'stirring up xenophobia' against Chinese people. In Seoul's Chinatown, Li Jinzi, 73, complained about a culture of 'misinformation' that was breeding negative feelings towards her home country. 'Fake news breeds misunderstandings,' she said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
China displaces old foe Japan in South Koreans' minds ahead of vote
SEOUL: Shops selling steaming snacks line the streets of Seoul's Daerim neighbourhood, home to thousands of ethnic Chinese, some feeling the pressure from mounting anti-Beijing sentiment ahead of South Korea's election. China has displaced longtime foe and former colonial power Japan in many South Koreans' minds as the country's most distrusted neighbour in recent years. And ahead of Tuesday's vote, anti-Chinese feeling has spread among South Koreans -- online, at right-wing rallies and in Seoul's Chinatown. Many of the quarter's Chinese residents, such as 74-year-old Yu Shunzi, flocked to South Korea seeking economic opportunities in the 1990s and 2000s. 'A lot of Koreans still think China is a very backward country and discriminate against Chinese a lot,' she told AFP. Yu, who arrived in 2007 from the northeastern Chinese province of Heilongjiang, said the situation is so bad that she planned to move back when the economy allowed. 'I want to go home, but with the exchange rate being this low, I'd lose a lot of money,' she said. While former colonial master Japan has long had a difficult relationship with South Korea, Seoul's ties with China have increasingly come under the spotlight. In 2022, polling conducted by Hankook Research showed for the first time that South Koreans distrusted China more than they did Japan -- a trend that has continued in recent years. - 'No affinity' towards China - Former leader Yoon Suk Yeol referred to vague allegations of Chinese spying when he tried to justify his declaration of martial law, which led to his ousting. Conspiracy theories have since run rampant among the South Korean right, fuelling the distrust. But analysts also say that a series of clashes between Beijing and Seoul in recent years over history, territory and defence are the deeper cause of the schism. 'China's growing assertiveness is the main reason behind South Korea's negative views about the country,' said Ramon Pacheco Pardo from King's College London. 'Most South Koreans have no affinity towards today's China,' the international relations professor told AFP. Seoul has long trodden a fine line between top trading partner China and defence guarantor the United States. Relations with China nosedived in 2016 following the South's decision to deploy the US-made THAAD missile defence system. Beijing saw it as a threat to its own security and reacted furiously, imposing a string of restrictions on South Korean businesses and banning group tours as part of sweeping economic retaliation. A series of public spats about the origins of Korean cultural staples such as kimchi, which China had claimed as its own, also left a bitter taste. Yoon's administration deepened that divide, cleaving close to the United States and seeking to improve ties with Japan. 'Under his leadership, Seoul made its position unmistakably clear: it stood with Washington and its allies, not Beijing,' Claudia Kim, assistant professor at City University of Hong Kong, told AFP. Opposition leader and election frontrunner Lee Jae-myung has publicly hinted that a softer line might be in the works if he wins. Beijing won't 'miss the opportunity to improve relations with the South' if Lee wins, Cheong Seong-chang at Seoul's Sejong Institute told AFP, suggesting a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping could even take place. Lee has also raised alarm bells by saying that a future conflict between China and Taiwan would not be South Korea's concern. That could put him on a collision course with the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has made containing China a cornerstone of its bid to reshape the international order. 'Trump's focus on deterring China may lead to a mismatch of foreign policy priorities with Lee,' Edward Howell, a lecturer in politics at the University of Oxford, told AFP. - Fake news thrives - Compounding deepening distrust of China has been a surge of conspiracy theories. Analysis by AFP revealed many of the most widely-circulated pieces of misinformation tap into fears of meddling by China. Rallies in support of ex-president Yoon have featured calls to oust alleged 'pro-Chinese Communist Party' forces, as well as posters with anti-Chinese slurs and slogans advocating for Chinese nationals to be deported. A recent editorial in Beijing's state-run nationalist tabloid Global Times condemned 'far-right' forces in South Korea for 'stirring up xenophobia' against Chinese people. In Seoul's Chinatown, Li Jinzi, 73, complained about a culture of 'misinformation' that was breeding negative feelings towards her home country.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
China displaces Japan in South Koreans' minds ahead of vote
SEOUL: Shops selling steaming snacks line the streets of Seoul's Daerim neighbourhood, home to thousands of ethnic Chinese, some feeling the pressure from mounting anti-Beijing sentiment ahead of South Korea's election. China has displaced longtime foe and former colonial power Japan in many South Koreans' minds as the country's most distrusted neighbour in recent years. And ahead of Tuesday's vote, anti-Chinese feeling has spread among South Koreans -- online, at right-wing rallies and in Seoul's Chinatown. Many of the quarter's Chinese residents, such as 74-year-old Yu Shunzi, flocked to South Korea seeking economic opportunities in the 1990s and 2000s. 'A lot of Koreans still think China is a very backward country and discriminate against Chinese a lot,' she told AFP. Yu, who arrived in 2007 from the northeastern Chinese province of Heilongjiang, said the situation is so bad that she planned to move back when the economy allowed. 'I want to go home, but with the exchange rate being this low, I'd lose a lot of money,' she said. While former colonial master Japan has long had a difficult relationship with South Korea, Seoul's ties with China have increasingly come under the spotlight. In 2022, polling conducted by Hankook Research showed for the first time that South Koreans distrusted China more than they did Japan -- a trend that has continued in recent years. - 'No affinity' towards China - Former leader Yoon Suk Yeol referred to vague allegations of Chinese spying when he tried to justify his declaration of martial law, which led to his ousting. Conspiracy theories have since run rampant among the South Korean right, fuelling the distrust. But analysts also say that a series of clashes between Beijing and Seoul in recent years over history, territory and defence are the deeper cause of the schism. 'China's growing assertiveness is the main reason behind South Korea's negative views about the country,' said Ramon Pacheco Pardo from King's College London. 'Most South Koreans have no affinity towards today's China,' the international relations professor told AFP. Seoul has long trodden a fine line between top trading partner China and defence guarantor the United States. Relations with China nosedived in 2016 following the South's decision to deploy the US-made THAAD missile defence system. Beijing saw it as a threat to its own security and reacted furiously, imposing a string of restrictions on South Korean businesses and banning group tours as part of sweeping economic retaliation. A series of public spats about the origins of Korean cultural staples such as kimchi, which China had claimed as its own, also left a bitter taste. Yoon's administration deepened that divide, cleaving close to the United States and seeking to improve ties with Japan. 'Under his leadership, Seoul made its position unmistakably clear: it stood with Washington and its allies, not Beijing,' Claudia Kim, assistant professor at City University of Hong Kong, told AFP. Opposition leader and election frontrunner Lee Jae-myung has publicly hinted that a softer line might be in the works if he wins. Beijing won't 'miss the opportunity to improve relations with the South' if Lee wins, Cheong Seong-chang at Seoul's Sejong Institute told AFP, suggesting a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping could even take place. Lee has also raised alarm bells by saying that a future conflict between China and Taiwan would not be South Korea's concern. That could put him on a collision course with the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has made containing China a cornerstone of its bid to reshape the international order. 'Trump's focus on deterring China may lead to a mismatch of foreign policy priorities with Lee,' Edward Howell, a lecturer in politics at the University of Oxford, told AFP. - Fake news thrives - Compounding deepening distrust of China has been a surge of conspiracy theories. Analysis by AFP revealed many of the most widely-circulated pieces of misinformation tap into fears of meddling by China. Rallies in support of ex-president Yoon have featured calls to oust alleged 'pro-Chinese Communist Party' forces, as well as posters with anti-Chinese slurs and slogans advocating for Chinese nationals to be deported. A recent editorial in Beijing's state-run nationalist tabloid Global Times condemned 'far-right' forces in South Korea for 'stirring up xenophobia' against Chinese people. In Seoul's Chinatown, Li Jinzi, 73, complained about a culture of 'misinformation' that was breeding negative feelings towards her home country. 'Fake news breeds misunderstandings,' she said.
The Guardian
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Morning Mail: Israel's ‘intensified' plan to seize Gaza, the voters that swung to Labor, Liberals in crisis
Morning everyone. Israel has announced a new plan for an 'intensified' offensive in Gaza, which officials said was about 'conquering' the territory, moving the population and establishing a sustained presence. At home the fallout from Labor's spectacular election win continues. We look at key seats where Chinese Australians turned against the Coalition, and the waning power of the Murdoch press. In the US, the White House is dealing with pushback against Donald Trump's plan to slap tariffs on foreign films. Batavia rethink | The story of the Batavia shipwreck has long been accepted as the result of one 'madman' wreaking terror with rape and murder. But a Dutch academic now argues that it was more complicated than that. Chinese factor | Labor was helped towards its election win by huge swings of up to 30% from Chinese Australian voters in key marginal seats, bringing warnings from strategists and analysts that the Liberal party has failed to rebuild trust with the community after the harsh anti-Beijing rhetoric of the Morrison era. Woman held | A 66-year-old woman is being held in police custody after two children aged six and seven were found dead at a house in Coonabarabran in north-west New South Wales. Nurses' fight | The Queensland union movement has warned the state's conservative government it will be in for a 'hell of a bloody fight' if it pursues threats to strip nurses and midwives of back pay if they enact their legal right to strike. Stellar show | With no moon in the sky this week, Australian stargazers have a good chance to see the annual Eta Aquariids meteor showers as they streak across the sky. Gaza 'conquest' | António Guterres, the United Nations secretary general, says 'countless civilians' would be killed if Israel goes ahead with a new 'intensified' offensive in Gaza involving seizure of territory and the displacement of a large part of its population. Our correspondent says Benjamin Netanyahu is hopes the plan will squeeze concessions from Hamas and appease his rightwing allies. Cut! | There is concern in the film industry – including in Australia – that Donald Trump's threat of tariffs on films not made in America would be devastating. Follow developments live. Romania ruckus | Romania's pro-EU prime minister has resigned after his ruling coalition's candidate crashed out of a presidential election rerun decisively won by a far-right Trump admirer, dramatically deepening the country's political turmoil and spelling potential trouble for Ukraine. Border control | The Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, sought to defuse claims by Donald Trump over the weekend that he might push for a military presence in her country to tackle the drugs trade. London parade | The royal family led the celebrations in London of the 80th anniversaary of VE day with a 1,300-strong military procession. Meanwhile royal watchers are still digesting Harry's latest interview. The 'bloodletting' and crisis inside the Liberal party As insiders warn about an existential crisis facing the Liberals after their electoral rout, Nour Haydar talks to our chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, about what comes next for the party. Sorry your browser does not support audio - but you can download here and listen $ We have an excellent selection of analysis about what shaped the election result, and what lessons can be drawn from the outcome. First, our number crunchers have been trying to identify the main demographic groups that swung to Labor – and they include urban voters, women, young people and Australians whose first language is not English. One of the most salient lessons from the election is that Rupert Murdoch's News Corp press no longer has the power to influence elections, writes Margaret Simons, with nothing to show for full-throated editorial support in papers across the country. Another lesson, our environment editor argues, is that there will never be a better chance to strike ahead with more ambitious plan for renewable energy. It's 41 years since Paul Kelly used the experience of a 13-hour bus journey from Melbourne to Sydney to write the opening line of his celebrated song, From St Kilda to Kings Cross, as he dossed at Don Walker's house. What is less well known perhaps is that Kelly was at that point past his last chance in the business, writes Andrew Stafford, until the subsequent album, Post, released 40 years ago, transformed his career. Sign up to Morning Mail Our Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Formula One | Lando Norris's aggressive approach to battling the world champion, Max Verstappen, has received the backing of his McLaren team despite it likely costing the British driver a shot at victory at the Miami Grand Prix won by Oscar Piastri. Rugby union | Ireland and Leinster captain Caelan Doris is set to undergo a 'procedure' on a shoulder injury, casting doubt on whether he will be fit for the Lions tour of Australia. Football | Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced he is leaving Liverpool and is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. In the Premier League, Nottingham Forest need a win at Crystal Palace. A political adviser writing in the Sydney Morning Herald says she tried five times to tell Peter Dutton about his 'women problem' but was rejected each time. The Herald Sun claims an exclusive in revealing that New Zealander Mike Bush will be Victoria's new police chief. The Courier Mail boasts footage of the 'horrific moment' a swarm of grasshoppers smashed against a motorist's windscreen. Environment | Hearing in Sydney in case of EnergyAustralia sued over 'greenwashed' carbon neutral product. Canberra | US rightwing commentator Candace Owens in high court appeal against visa refusal. Economy | Monthly household spending indicator and building approval figures released at 11.30am. If you would like to receive this Morning Mail update to your email inbox every weekday, sign up here, or finish your day with our Afternoon Update newsletter. You can follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland. And finally, here are the Guardian's crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow. Quick crossword Cryptic crossword
