China's Top Diplomat Urges Japan and South Korea to Embrace Their Roots, Dismissing Criticism of Race-Based Alliance

China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, told Japanese and South Korean guests at a conference that they can change their looks but will "never become Westerners." He urged closer cooperation between the three nations and emphasized the importance of knowing their roots. Wang's comments come amid strained US-China relations and tensions over Taiwan, chip restrictions, and accusations of spying. South Korea and Japan, close US allies, have aligned with Washington on various issues, while China seeks closer ties with other Asian countries.