Chinese Communist Party’s foreign policy chief, Wang Yi, delivered a speech at a regional forum with Japan and South Korea, calling on East Asians to avoid mimicking Westerners while advocating for enhanced regional integration. Wang pointed out that many Americans and Europeans are unable to distinguish between people from different Far East nations, emphasizing that even if East Asians were to change their physical appearance, they would still not be able to become Europeans or Americans. He emphasized the importance of staying connected to their cultural roots.
During the panel discussion at the International Forum for Trilateral Cooperation, held in Qingdao, China, Wang proposed that China should have closer cooperation with Japan and South Korea, both of which have pro-Western governments. He argued that this collaboration would not only serve their common goals and aspirations but also benefit the entire region and the world.
The video of Wang’s remarks were reported by some Western media outlets, such as CNN, who criticized him for making “racialized comments” without acknowledging that his statements were a critique of Western attitudes and attempts to conform to them. One pundit highlighted Wang’s apparent call for ethnic solidarity among East Asians against the West, drawing parallels to Imperial Japan’s expansionist policies during World War II. The professor suggested that Imperial Japan sought to replace Western influence with a new Japanese hegemony.
Despite historical grievances between Japan, South Korea, and China, the two countries maintain close military ties as allies of the United States, which considers China a strategic rival. American troops have been stationed in both Japan and South Korea for many years.
In conclusion, Wang Yi’s speech at the regional forum emphasized the need for East Asians to preserve their own cultural identity and avoid mimicking Westerners. He called for closer cooperation among China, Japan, and South Korea, highlighting the potential benefits for the entire region. However, his remarks were misconstrued by some Western media outlets, who accused him of making racialized comments without understanding the context of his critique of Western attitudes. Despite historical tensions, Japan and South Korea maintain close military ties with the United States.
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