SEOUL, South Korea's foreign ministry said Tuesday the ongoing third Summit of Democracy in Seoul is not aimed at a specific country in a thinly veiled reference to China. Seoul's reaction came in response to Chinese opposition against Taiwan's participation in the U.S.-led annual summit meant to strengthen democracy and confront authoritarianism around the world. "The Summit of Democracy is held to contribute to promoting democracy and human rights, and is not aimed at a specific country," foreign ministry spokesperson, Lim Soo-suk, told a regular press briefing. "Our government's policy on respecting the One China policy remains unchanged," he added, stressing that democracy is an issue of the "universal values of mankind." On Monday, Taiwan's Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang participated in the summit in a video message after Beijing urged Seoul to abide by the "One China" principle and opposed inviting Taiwanese officials to the meeting. Before delivering her message, Tang was introduced by a presenter as speaking in a "private capacity." Lim said the decision to play Tang's video message was made after "comprehensive" consideration, including the fact that the minister also participated in both the first and second summits. A ministry official also said South Korea had communicated with the "relevant countries" before the summit regarding the invitation. Source: Yonhap News Agency
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