First TV Debate for Democratic Party Leadership Candidates on the 16th
Consensus on the Need for Economic Cooperation with China
Jeong Chungrae and Park Chandae, members of the National Assembly running as candidates for the Democratic Party leadership, both agreed that President Lee Jaemyung should attend the Chinese Victory Day event next month for the sake of national interest.
Jeong Chungrae and Park Chandae, candidates for the Democratic Party leadership, are taking a commemorative photo ahead of the TV debate held at SBS Mokdong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul on July 16, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
During the first TV debate for the Democratic Party leadership candidates, held on SBS News Briefing on the 16th, both candidates responded "Yes" in unison to the moderator's question, "Do you think President Lee should attend the Chinese Victory Day event (the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War)?"
Jeong was the first to speak, saying, "Former President Park Geunhye also attended Victory Day," and added, "Diplomacy should be balanced: politics with the United States, economy with China." He continued, "The ultimate goal of diplomacy is to prioritize national interest," and said, "I have always learned from President Kim Daejung's teaching that, for the sake of national interest, you should be willing to shake hands even with the devil."
Jeong further stated, "Since the launch of the Yoon Sukyeol administration, going to NATO and criticizing China has significantly worsened Korea's trade with China," and explained, "If we take the total export volume as 100, about one-third, including Hong Kong, goes to China."
He emphasized, "How can we export our goods without establishing diplomatic relations with China?" and added, "Even if we combine the export volumes to the United States and Japan, it is only half of what we export to China."
Jeong said, "We should maintain the Korea-US alliance for security, but open the path for Korea's export-driven economy through economic relations with China," and added, "If we want to restore relations with China as soon as possible, we must attend Victory Day, which is highly valued by the Chinese. I believe President Lee, who is a pragmatic leader, will also attend."
Park also agreed, saying, "We need to pursue pragmatic diplomacy for the sake of national interest," and added, "There is no reason to turn our backs on China economically, and we must protect our security based on the Korea-US alliance with the United States," expressing the same opinion as Jeong.
Park emphasized, "We need to accurately understand US intentions and pursue balanced diplomacy in the US-China relationship, protecting Korean industry and corporate interests in both security and economic areas, while also pursuing the interests of both Korea-US and Korea-China relations."
He also said, "We should trust in our national strength and conduct diplomacy with confidence," and gave the example, "During the Moon Jaein administration, we responded confidently to Japan's materials, parts, and equipment (so-bu-jang) issue, achieving industrial and technological innovation."
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