In an editorial, the Global Times under the auspices of the People's Daily, criticized the Lee Myung-bak administration for playing a "relatively rigid role" in the region. The People's Daily is an organ of the Central Committee of China's Communist Party.
While most countries in the region also demonstrated their toughness, South Korea did not gain advantages but in fact, suffered losses, during the sinking of the Cheonan and the Yeonpyeong Island attack, the editorial said.
The newspaper called on the new South Korean leader to remain calm in response to a variety of questions, such as "the kind of threat North Korea poses to South Korea, what benefits or losses the country will have from China‘s rise and what role it should play between China and the United States as well as in the Northeast Asian region."
It said it is regrettable that the relationship between Chinese and South Korean people suffered during the Lee administration. Park will take office on Feb. 25.
"We are expecting the situation on the Korean Peninsula will remain under control and the Beijing-Seoul relationship will remain stable in the long run strategically," the newspaper said.
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