China’s embassy in Seoul says USFK commander Xavier Brunson’s ‘hostile and aggressive remarks’ on podcast ‘crossed the line’
It comes as Washington seeks to expand the scope of its South Korea-based command for a greater presence across the Indo-Pacific in what Beijing views as an effort to contain it.
He also described Japan as a “shield” or “backstop” for China’s ambitions in the South China Sea, according to an interview transcript.
It follows Brunson’s depiction of South Korea as looking like a “fixed aircraft carrier” between Japan and China while speaking at a forum in Hawaii in May last year, according to a report by Korea JoongAng Daily.
The Chinese embassy in South Korea said on Thursday it wanted to “solemnly warn” Brunson that his remarks had crossed the line, according to the embassy’s social media account.
“Are your hostile and aggressive remarks about China authorised by Washington, or are you trying to challenge the consensus reached at the Beijing meeting between the Chinese and US leaders?” a spokesperson for the embassy was quoted as saying.
“You refer to the host country as an ‘aircraft carrier’ or a ‘dagger’. Does this demonstrate your belligerence, or do you intend to use other countries as pawns?”
Source: News - South China Morning Post
