China overtakes Japan as most distrusted neighbor among South Koreans

In recent years, China has displaced Japan as the most distrusted neighbor in the minds of many South Koreans. This shift has been particularly notable ahead of the recent presidential vote held on June 2, 2025. Analysts attribute the increasing anti-Chinese sentiment to Beijing's assertive actions and conflicts over historical and territorial issues that have strained relations further. The South Korean government’s alignment with the United States, especially following the deployment of the U.S.-made THAAD missile defense system in 2016 and the ensuing economic sanctions from China, has deepened this divide. In South Korea’s political landscape, the top contenders for the presidency have framed their campaigns around vital questions regarding the nation’s identity amid this polarization. The political divide has sharpened over the years, leading candidates like Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party to emphasize the need for unity in a sharply divided society, notably evidenced by the generational split among voters over issues like the national research budget. As election day approached, conversations among voters reflected the significant concerns over the state of democracy and how well candidates would listen to the ordinary people's voices. Activists and voters from various regions, including conservatives in Daegu and progressives in Gwangju, expressed their opinions regarding candidates' platforms and the need for a balanced approach toward governance that would heal social rifts. Some voters even labeled the right-wing candidate's stance as non-democratic, emphasizing their support for the Democratic Party's commitment to democratic values. The increase of conspiracy theories in society has also significantly contributed to animosity towards China, leading to a culture of misinformation surrounding Chinese residents in South Korea. Many Chinese expatriates lamented the misunderstandings and negative sentiments fueled by these theories, underscoring the urgent need for better communication and greater understanding between communities to mitigate the rising tensions. As the new administration takes shape, there are hopes that it could manage to ease relations with China, but historical grievances and distrust remain significant obstacles in bridging this longstanding divide.