It Seems the Biden Administration Is Planning a Visit to Korea Before Its Official Launch
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] It has been reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Korea is being pursued with the goal of realization within this year.
According to sources in Beijing on the 12th, the Chinese government is preparing for President Xi to visit Korea either at the end of this month or in early to mid next month.
If President Xi's visit to Korea takes place, it is expected that discussions will focus on restoring Korea-China relations, which have been strained due to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) issue, strengthening economic cooperation, and addressing the North Korean nuclear issue.
Both Korea and China have agreed to promptly realize President Xi's visit to Korea after the stabilization of the COVID-19 situation.
Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming met with Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 3rd and expressed that "President Xi Jinping's plan to visit Korea remains unwavering."
The Korean Embassy in China also stated at last month's National Assembly audit that it will continue consultations with the Chinese side to ensure the early realization of President Xi's visit to Korea.
In August, Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau responsible for foreign affairs in China, visited Korea to discuss President Xi's visit again, but the talks were suspended due to the spread of COVID-19 cluster infections in Korea.
The general view among Beijing's diplomatic circles is that the end of this month or early to mid next month, just after the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) virtual summit concludes and before preparations for next year's schedule begin, is the optimal time for President Xi's visit to Korea.
Some in China also convey a sentiment that since the Biden administration, which emphasizes alliances, will take office next year, President Xi's visit to Korea may become more difficult due to U.S. considerations, so it should be finalized within this year.
A source said, "There is a mood within China that President Xi should visit Korea before the Biden administration, which emphasizes alliances, takes office," adding, "Also, since the Japanese government has taken a tougher stance toward China after President Xi's planned visit to Japan was canceled, there is a view that Korea needs to be used as a card."
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