Democrats lash out at the U.S. over sovereignty concerns...

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\r\n[Financial News] The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has taken issue with General Xavier T. Brunson's description of South Korea as a "dagger" aimed at China. It also criticized the Chinese government's response through the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Korea, which used Korean media to push back.
According to political circles on the 30th, the DPK views both Brunson's remark that "South Korea and Japan are like daggers from China's perspective, while Japan serves as a shield" and the Chinese embassy's counterattack through Korean media, saying he "crossed the line," as inappropriate acts amounting to interference in domestic affairs.
In a written briefing, DPK spokesperson Boo Seung-chan first criticized Brunson's remarks, saying, "He arbitrarily defined the strategic standing of the Republic of Korea, violated our people's sovereignty, and even created diplomatic tension. We express regret." He added, "The situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia should be addressed through diplomacy, not military metaphors. Such remarks are deeply concerning because they could easily lead to unnecessary misunderstandings and tension."
He also said, "No one can turn the Republic of Korea into a dagger just by saying so. The Republic of Korea is a proud sovereign state that forges its own destiny and takes responsibility for it." He emphasized, "The Republic of Korea's diplomatic and security strategy is decided solely by the people, who are the sovereign. Without the people's consent, no one can assign any role to the Republic of Korea."
Boo also said the Chinese embassy's criticism of Brunson through Korean media was inappropriate, noting, "The Chinese government's response, which used its embassy to criticize the United States through Korean media, is also not appropriate." He added, "It falls far short of the diplomatic restraint expected of a neighboring country."
He went on to say, "No neighboring country's judgment can replace the sovereign decision of the people of the Republic of Korea." He added, "Whether the Republic of Korea becomes a shield or a dagger will be decided only by our people."
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uknow@fnnews.com Kim Yun-ho Reporter