Moon: "China is a Very Important Country to Korea"
People Power Party: "Anachronistic Security with the US, Economy with China" Fiercely Criticized
Former President Moon Jae-in stated, "It is truly deplorable and worrisome that behaviors provoking anti-China sentiment are being used to excuse or defend martial law and rebellion."
On the 28th of last month, Moon recommended former Blue House Chief Secretary Noh Young-min's book, Four Questions to China in 2025, on social media (SNS), expressing concern that "some politicians are even inciting anti-China sentiment, which is truly a serious matter."
He said, "China is an extremely important country to us for the economy, security, peace on the Korean Peninsula, and stability in Northeast Asia," adding, "No matter how much we value the South Korea-US alliance, the fact that China is the next most important country does not change." He further stated, "China also considers Korea very important. Just as we need China, China needs us," and added, "The two countries share a fateful relationship that cannot be shifted or turned away from."
Former President Moon emphasized, "There is no other way but to prosper together. To achieve this, both countries must make efforts," and argued, "Just as we must not provoke or amplify anti-China sentiment, China must not engage in retaliatory measures such as the ban on Korean cultural content (Hanhanryeong), control of civilian exchanges including cultural and academic exchanges, shielding North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, or hegemonic behaviors toward neighboring countries."
In response, the People Power Party pushed back. Representative Kim Jae-seop criticized, "Even though times have changed this much, former President Moon seems to find it very difficult to break free from pro-China addiction," and fiercely condemned, "The Democratic Party's pro-China submissive DNA does not distinguish between pro-Moon (pro-Moon Jae-in) and pro-Myeong (pro-Lee Jae-myung)."
Representative Kim pointed out, "What exactly did President Moon do during his term to counter China's hegemonism? He declared the 'three no's' on THAAD, effectively surrendering military sovereignty, and even leaked level-2 military secrets related to THAAD to China and anti-THAAD civic groups." He continued, "It is astonishing that despite opposition from the working-level staff, he reportedly even conducted briefings at the Chinese embassy. This is truly an act of pro-China, submissive treason."
Representative Kim also stated, "The Democratic Party and President Moon are tearing apart the Republic of Korea with their outdated dual-track policy of 'security with the US and economy with China'."
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