Beijing: National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik departed for Beijing on Tuesday to attend a ceremony marking China's anniversary of victory over Japan in World War II. Woo will represent South Korea at the military parade on Wednesday, raising the possibility of a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who also plans to attend the event along with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Woo spoke to reporters at Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, expressing uncertainty about whether such a meeting with Kim Jong-un will occur. "If we meet, we will discuss issues related to peace on the Korean Peninsula," Woo stated. "I plan to talk about whether there are ways to expand peace on the Korean Peninsula."
Observers speculate that Woo could encounter Kim either atop the rostrum at Tiananmen Square or during a reception event attended by other world leaders.
During his stay in Beijing, Woo is scheduled to hold talks with senior officials of the National People's Congress and the State Council, before returning home on Friday. "I plan to convey to China the interests of our businesses operating in China and use it as an opportunity to expand their business environment and footing there," Woo informed reporters.