Beijing: China has reached out to South Korea regarding President Lee Jae Myung's potential attendance at a military parade in September, commemorating the 80th anniversary of China's victory over Japanese aggression in World War II, diplomatic sources revealed.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee's decision on whether to attend could have crucial diplomatic repercussions for his administration, especially as South Korea navigates the strategic rivalry between China and the United States. Beijing has expressed interest in Lee's presence through various diplomatic channels, with a formal invitation yet to be issued.
Reports suggest that China is also contemplating inviting U.S. President Donald Trump to the ceremony, which is scheduled for September 3 at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The South Korean presidential office confirmed ongoing communication with Beijing about Lee's attendance but refrained from providing further details, citing diplomatic protocol.
A senior government official in Seoul mentioned that the potential participation of President Lee is under review. Since taking office on June 4, Lee has emphasized diplomacy centered on the U.S. alliance and advancing trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan. Attending the event could place Lee in a sensitive position, as he has not yet had a one-on-one meeting with President Trump, a customary engagement for his predecessors.
Efforts are underway to arrange a summit between Lee and Trump, potentially by the end of this month. Additionally, the Lee administration aims to manage relations with China, anticipating Chinese President Xi Jinping's attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea later this year.
Lee's decision may also consider former President Park Geun-hye's attendance at a similar event in 2015, which, despite U.S. disapproval, was intended to engage Beijing in addressing North Korea's nuclear issue. However, this move led to adverse outcomes, with North Korea conducting nuclear tests and long-range missile launches afterward. Seoul's subsequent decision to deploy the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system resulted in economic backlash from China.
An official from the foreign ministry stated that the decision requires consideration of various circumstances, emphasizing the complexity of the situation.