It was reported on July 2 that China has conveyed its intention to invite President Lee Jae Myung to the "80th Anniversary of the Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War (World War II Victory Day)" to be held in Beijing in early September. For the new administration, which has consistently expressed its commitment to restoring relations with China that deteriorated under the previous Yoon Suk Yeol government, this is expected to serve as a test of its "balanced diplomacy toward China."
According to diplomatic sources, the Chinese government recently inquired through diplomatic channels about the possibility of President Lee attending the Victory Day event. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, and China is planning a grand event, with not only leaders from socialist countries but also those from Western nations, including the United States, reportedly on the invitation list. Previously, Japanese media reported that China intends to invite former U.S. President Donald Trump to the Victory Day event.
The Chinese Embassy in Korea, responding to related inquiries, stated, "We will hold the 80th anniversary ceremony (of Victory Day) on a grand scale," and added, "We plan to invite international friends or representatives of bereaved families who contributed to China's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan." The embassy further noted, "This year marks both the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan and the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, making it a year of special significance for both China and Korea," and emphasized, "The Chinese side welcomes Korea's participation in this commemorative event."
The government is reportedly deliberating over whether President Lee should attend the Victory Day ceremony. The last time a Korean president attended a Chinese Victory Day event was in 2015, when then-President Park Geun Hye participated. At that time, all Western leaders, including those from the United States, boycotted the 70th anniversary event, and Park's attendance as the only leader from the free world sparked controversy. Given that China is engaged in territorial disputes with neighboring countries over the South China Sea, attending a Victory Day event that is used to showcase China's military power could pose diplomatic challenges.
However, the Lee Jae Myung administration has been emphasizing "pragmatic diplomacy" and working to advance Korea-China relations. Previously, on June 10, President Lee had a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping and directly requested Xi's attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, which will be held in Gyeongju between late October and early November. Whether former President Trump will respond to China's invitation to attend Victory Day is also a variable that must be considered.
An official from the presidential office stated, "The decision on whether President Lee will attend the September 3 Victory Day 80th anniversary ceremony in China is under discussion between Korea and China," and added, "Both countries are communicating closely, based on the shared understanding that they should develop bilateral relations through the APEC framework."
Kang Youngshin, Director General of the Northeast Asia and Central Asia Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (right), and Liu Jinsong, Director General of the Asian Affairs Department at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a Korea-China director-general level consultation in Seoul on the 1st and are taking a commemorative photo. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Meanwhile, Kang Youngshin, Director General of the Northeast Asia and Central Asia Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a Korea-China director-general level consultation with Liu Jinsong, Director General of the Asian Affairs Department at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who is currently visiting Korea, at a location in Seoul the previous day. This was the first director-general level consultation between Korea and China in about half a year, following the last meeting held in China in December last year.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Both sides agreed to continue communication at all levels based on the consensus to develop Korea-China relations in conjunction with the Gyeongju APEC Summit," and added, "They also discussed specific cooperation measures in various fields, including economic cooperation that can make a practical contribution to the lives of both countries' citizens." The official further stated, "The two sides also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including the West Sea and the Korean Peninsula."
Jeong Byungwon, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with Director General Liu at the ministry building that morning and, according to the ministry, said, "Let us continue our efforts for the mature development of the Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership."
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