Christian Nationalism and Sinophobia: The Role of Anti-China Sentiment in South Korean Politics and Diplomacy

This paper argues that the rise of Sinophobia in South Korea, particularly following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration, is not merely reactionary but deeply rooted in religious and ideological discourse. Once limited to far-right circles, anti-China rhetoric now permeates mainstream politics, reinforcing Christian nationalism and pro-American sentiment while shaping domestic and foreign policy. The paper explores three dimensions of this phenomenon. First, it examines how the Chinese diaspora is framed as both economic and political threats. Second, it analyzes how Sinophobia underpins Yoon’s pro-U.S., anti-China stance, especially within the U.S.-South Korea-Japan security alliance, which Christian nationalists portray as divinely sanctioned. Third, it investigates how Sinophobia informs political reform narratives, particularly in the pro-martial law discourse of Kyeŏm intended for kyemong ("martial law for reform"). Ultimately, the paper reveals how Sinophobia is weaponized to justify authoritarian measures, reorient geopolitical alliances, and redefine South Korea’s nationalist and religious-political landscape.