Xi Jinping: "The two countries are important neighbors and partners"...Ishiba: "The importance of shuttle diplomacy does not change"

Pledges of Economic and Diplomatic Cooperation from Major World Leaders

EU: "Outlook for Strengthening Strategic Partnership"

Leaders of major countries, including China, Japan, and the European Union (EU), sent congratulatory messages to President Lee Jae-myung, expressing their commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic cooperation.

On the 4th, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to President Lee. According to state-run Xinhua News Agency, President Xi said in the message, "China and Korea are important neighbors and cooperative partners," and added, "For the past 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, our two countries have advanced hand in hand, overcoming differences in ideology and social systems, and achieved many things together, fostering stable and healthy development of bilateral relations." He continued, "(The development of bilateral ties) has not only improved the well-being of the citizens of both countries, but also contributed positively to the peace, stability, development, and prosperity of the region. I place great importance on the development of China-Korea relations."

He went on to say, "While the world is experiencing accelerating changes unseen in a hundred years and international and regional uncertainties are increasing, I intend to work together to ensure that the China-Korea strategic cooperative partnership continues to advance steadily."

On the same day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Linzen said at a briefing, "The fundamental driving force for the development of China-Korea relations is rooted in the shared interests of the two countries and is neither aimed at a third party nor influenced by third-party factors," adding, "China consistently opposes bloc-building and camp confrontation." In connection with the U.S. White House sending a congratulatory message to President Lee and mentioning China, Linzen stressed, "The United States must break its long-standing habit of speculating about China and stop sowing discord in China-Korea relations."

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru congratulated President Lee on his election and proposed an early summit meeting. Speaking with reporters that day, Prime Minister Ishiba said, "On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Japan-Korea diplomatic relations (this year), I hope to actively promote Japan-Korea and Japan-Korea-U.S. cooperation with President Lee." He also emphasized that the importance of regular shuttle diplomacy between the two leaders does not change regardless of the Korean administration. He noted that President Lee referred to Japan as an 'important partner' during his campaign and expressed his fondness for Japan, raising expectations for improved Japan-Korea relations. However, The Yomiuri Shimbun reported, "The Japanese government is wary, believing the Korean government could change its diplomatic course as a progressive administration takes office."

The EU also expressed hopes for deepening cooperation. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, congratulated President Lee via social media, saying, "I look forward to further deepening the strong bond between Europe and Korea."

Beijing = Eunjeong Kim / Tokyo = Ilgyu Kim, Correspondents kej@hankyung.com