"China is a Neighboring Country" President Moon's Solidarity Theory: Political, Economic, and Diplomatic 'Triple Strategy' (Comprehensive)

Blue House Senior Secretary and Secretary Meeting Expresses Gratitude to Wuhan Consulate General and Residents of Jincheon and Asan... "Compensation Measures for Public Sacrifice Must Also Be Considered"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "China is our largest country for human exchange as well as our largest trading partner. China's difficulties directly translate into our difficulties."

Among President Moon Jae-in's remarks at the senior secretaries and aides meeting on the afternoon of the 3rd, the 'China as a neighboring country theory' caught attention. As China faces a national crisis due to the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), President Moon emphasized 'solidarity.' The message that we must not ignore China's difficulties is a 'triple strategy' considering politics, economy, and diplomacy.

President Moon stressed, "We must join forces to overcome the current emergency situation together, and as neighboring countries, we should not hesitate to provide support and cooperation that we can offer," adding, "When we do not ignore the neighbor's pain but share and stand in solidarity, we become true neighbors and can move forward together into the future."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As President Moon mentioned, China is South Korea's largest partner in terms of human and material exchanges. Considering the complexly intertwined global economic system, economic difficulties in neighboring China could cast a shadow over the South Korean economy. South Korea extending a hand while China is struggling relates not only to justification but also to practical benefits.

President Moon also explained the background of the entry restrictions on foreigners who stayed or visited Hubei Province, China, in the same context. Although the measures were taken to protect the safety of the people, the message that the friendly relationship with China will remain unshaken is embedded.

President Moon said, "We cannot but strengthen immigration control and strictly manage it to protect our citizens," and added, "Temporary entry restrictions on foreigners who stayed or visited Hubei Province and the temporary suspension of visa-free entry to Jeju are unavoidable measures to protect the safety of our people."

China is inevitably an important country diplomatically. China's cooperation and support are also important for improving inter-Korean relations. However, as concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus intensify, there are many voices calling for strong countermeasures.

If the Moon Jae-in administration's response appears to be overly cautious of China, political burdens will inevitably follow. President Moon appealed to overcome difficulties by urging the government's active efforts and the people's support.

President Moon said, "Compensation measures for sacrifices made to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as the isolation of citizens and participation of the medical community, should also be devised," and urged, "I hope thorough support measures will be made for sectors directly affected by the novel coronavirus, such as self-employed businesses and tourism, as well as for vulnerable groups with masks and hand sanitizers."

President Moon added, "Although the novel coronavirus situation is expected to place a heavy burden on our economy, I hope you approach it with a stance that prioritizes the safety of the people over the economy."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon also conveyed a message to overcome difficulties together while cautioning against fear and hatred. He pointed out, "It is neither desirable nor helpful to solving the problem when some spread distrust and incite hatred by exploiting anxiety."

President Moon said, "The true path to overcoming this is trust and cooperation, not fear and hatred," and urged, "I hope the people will have confidence that if we hold hands, we can definitely overcome this."

Furthermore, President Moon expressed gratitude to the citizens working to overcome difficulties. In particular, he evaluated, "The spirit of tolerance shown by the residents of Jincheon and Asan who warmly welcomed the compatriots returning from Wuhan, and the mutual aid among compatriots centered on the Consulate General and the Korean Association in Wuhan amid difficult circumstances, deeply moved us all."

On the same day, President Moon called the Chinese Consulate General in Wuhan to encourage their efforts in transporting compatriots.

President Moon said, "This situation may just be the beginning. We still do not know how much more it will spread or when it will end. The government will proceed with extraordinary determination, recognizing that this is a critical turning point."

President Moon said, "We will respond proactively in accordance with the serious stage, operate a government-wide all-out response system led by the Prime Minister, and take strong measures to block regional spread."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.