TREE NEWS update: China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that China hopes South Korea will faithfully implement the one-China principle, following the withdrawal of a Chinese curatorial team from the Gwangju Biennale over alleged incorrect Taiwan-related practices. Guo cited the 1992 joint communiqué establishing diplomatic ties, in which Seoul recognized Beijing as the sole legal government and respected China’s position on Taiwan. He noted that South Korea has repeatedly reaffirmed its unchanged one-China stance this year.
China Urges South Korea to Honor One-China Principle After Gwangju Biennale Dispute
This is less about art than about diplomatic signaling in a sensitive regional context. The explicit reference to the 1992 communiqué underscores Beijing's intent to hold Seoul publicly to its formal commitments, which could elevate the stakes for cultural exchanges that involve Taiwan-related content. The dispute may test how South Korea balances its cultural autonomy with its stated diplomatic position, especially amid broader US-China tensions. What is worth watching is whether similar cultural flashpoints emerge in other regional biennales or events, and how Seoul calibrates its response to avoid diplomatic friction without ceding curatorial independence.
Generated by AI for reference only.
Share on WeChat
Open WeChat → Scan → then tap "…" to send to a chat or Moments.
Tap "…" in the top-right corner to send to a chat or share to Moments.