Jiabao Arrives in Seoul amid Tension over Sinking of Warship
Amid tension over sinking of South Korean warship by the north, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has arrived in Seoul, said media reports.
The issue is likely to dominate the talks between Jiabao and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak.
While international investigators have held North Korea responsible for the sinking of the warship, China has not condemned its old ally Pyongyang snubbed by many countries.
In the meanwhile, Chinese ambassador to South Korea Zhang Xinsen said that Jiabao’s visit would ‘strongly boost’ ties between the countries, reports said quoting Xinhua news agency.
BBC reported quoting its correspondent in Seoul that China is in an uncomfortable position and that China’s reluctance to join strong international condemnation of North Korea is causing frustration in Seoul.
China has even been called upon to come off the fence and select between its old, cold war ally or its new role as a modern, global power, said reports.
According to some reports, Jiabao is likely to subtly and carefully move closer to the South Korean position during the visit, opting for a language that at least pacifies some of the anger, reports said.
(Based on internet reports)
