China probes President Lee’s intention to attend Victory Day… Presidential Office: "China and South Korea in Communication"

It has been reported that China has sounded out the possibility of President Lee Jae-myung attending the '80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War (World War II),' commonly referred to as Victory Day, to be held in Beijing in September. The Presidential Office stated that China and South Korea are in communication on this matter and that the possibility of attendance remains open.

According to diplomatic sources on the 2nd, the Chinese government recently inquired through diplomatic channels on several occasions about whether President Lee could attend Victory Day.

China plans to invite a large number of foreign leaders and hold a grand 80th Victory Day event, including a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, on September 3rd.

Regarding this, the Presidential Office said on the same day, "China and South Korea are communicating about President Lee’s possible attendance at the China 9·3 Victory Day 80th anniversary ceremony," adding, "However, please understand that it is difficult to disclose details of these diplomatic communications."

The government is expected to decide on President Lee’s attendance after a comprehensive review of precedents, China-South Korea relations, and South Korea-U.S. relations.

However, since President Lee’s participation in the Victory Day event could generate various interpretations amid the ongoing U.S.-China tensions, the government is expected to deliberate carefully before making a final decision.

The Embassy of China in South Korea said in a statement sent to Yonhap News Agency on the same day that during the 70th anniversary event, “the Korean leader’s attendance at the invitation had a positive effect,” and “the Chinese side welcomes the attendance of the Korean side at this commemorative event.”

Furthermore, “This year marks both the 80th anniversary of the victory in the war of resistance against Japan and the 80th anniversary of the Korean Peninsula’s liberation, making it a year of important and special significance for both China and South Korea.”

Shin Hyun-bo, Hankyung.com reporter greaterfool@hankyung.com