"Unstable Diplomatic Leadership Puts Our National Interest at Risk"
"There Are Plenty of Reasons Why the U.S. Views Lee Jaemyung with Apprehension"
Kwon Sungdong, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, criticized Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, stating that his 'xiexie' (謝謝, meaning 'thank you' in Chinese) remark was "clearly wrong."
On May 15, Kwon wrote on Facebook, "It is said that concerns are spreading among U.S. political circles over Lee Jaemyung's pro-China 'xiexie diplomacy,' which claims that 'cross-strait relations have nothing to do with our country and that we will just ignore them.'"
He further criticized, "In addition, there are plenty of reasons why the United States views Lee Jaemyung with apprehension, including remittances to North Korea in violation of UN sanctions, diplomats who regard value-based diplomacy that opposes North Korea, China, and Russia as grounds for impeachment, and budget cuts for key industries of Korea-U.S. cooperation such as nuclear power and shipbuilding."
Kwon argued that the impulsive and unstable diplomatic leadership of the leading presidential candidate from the majority party in the National Assembly is putting the national interest at risk. He added, "The bigger problem is Lee's stubbornness and self-righteousness in refusing to admit he is wrong."
Meanwhile, during last year's general election, Lee stated, "Just say 'xiexie' to China, and 'xiexie' to Taiwan as well. Why keep interfering here and there?" He also said, "Why should we get involved in the cross-strait (China-Taiwan) issue? Whatever happens in the Taiwan Strait, or whatever the domestic issues between China and Taiwan may be, what does it have to do with us? Shouldn't we just focus on living well among ourselves?"
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