S.Korea fearful of Chinese retaliation over defector issue

S.Korea fearful of Chinese retaliation over defector issue. March. 07, 2012 05:09. lightee@donga.com.

China could launch a diplomatic counterattack against growing international calls for Beijing to stop the forcible deportation of North Korean defectors. The South Korean government is bracing for the threat of economic retaliation over the issue.

A government source in Seoul said Tuesday, “We`ve received reports that China has recently stepped up its crackdown on South Koreans residing in China,” adding, “We are trying to find out if the move is related to South Korea’s criticism of China for its forceful repatriation of North Korean escapees.” Another source said, “We`re closely watching China`s movements on negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement and other investment issues.”

The South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry is focusing on a talk show aired by the state-run Chinese Central TV that signaled Beijing’s retaliation against Seoul. Song Xiaojun, a critic who joined the program, said, “If someone is hurt (due to this matter), this will undermine (South) Korea’s interests,” adding, “What will they (South Korea) do if China doesn’t trade with them?” “China won`t play with South Korea forever over the issue of North Korean defectors.”

Gao Zugui, another participant and senior research fellow at the Institute of World Politics under China Institutes of Contemporary of International Relations, also said, “Turning this matter into an issue will be a disaster for South Korea as well,” adding, “If South Korea stirs this matter up into a big thing, the country will be isolated in the end.”

On this, officials at the South Korean Foreign Ministry said it`s like Beijing has sent a warning to Seoul through the state-run broadcaster. Beijing will show a more hostile response if Washington steps forward to resolve the matter in sync with Seoul, according to experts.

A high-ranking government official in Seoul said Tuesday, “In the end, what`s important is China’s attitude and only China can resolve the matter. This is what makes me feel helpless.” He added, however, “Isn’t it a humanitarian act that North Korean defectors residing in South Korea try to bring their relatives?” adding, “We have no choice but to make strenuous efforts to persuade China that this is an humanitarian issue.”