What China really means when it says it wants ‘independence and autonomy’ for Korea

China's assertion of wanting "independence and autonomy" for Korea stems from the aftermath of Japan's defeat of the Qing Dynasty in the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895. The Treaty of Shimonoseki, signed by Japanese Prime Minister Li Hongzhang and Qing statesman Li Hongzhang, declared that China recognized the full and complete independence and autonomy of Korea. This severed Qing influence over Korea and set the stage for Japan's subsequent colonial rule.

In recent years, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has repeatedly emphasized the importance of "independence and autonomy" for Korea. He first made this demand in a meeting with Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin in August 2022, urging Korea to uphold a line of independence and autonomy, reject external interference, and strengthen strategic cooperation with China.

During his recent visit to South Korea, Wang stressed the recovery of Seoul-Beijing relations, which had deteriorated under former President Yoon Suk-yeol. However, he declined to mediate in North Korea's nuclear talks sought by the Trump administration, stating that it was a matter for North Korea and the US to decide and criticizing Washington's "policy of hostility" toward Pyongyang.

China's renewed interest in Korea is driven by broader strategic calculations, including expanding its influence on the Korean Peninsula and using the two Koreas to bring Japan to heel. This shift is evident in China's condemnation of Japan's rearmament push and efforts to weaken trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the US, and Japan.

Moreover, China views North Korea as a tool to send messages to South Korea, the US, and Japan. By supporting North Korea's condemnation of Japanese militarism, China aims to further its interests on the Korean Peninsula and foster closer ties with Moscow and Pyongyang.