Speculation on Xi Jinping's Postponed Visit to Japan... Cheong: "Visit to Korea in the First Half of the Year Proceeding as Planned"

Japanese Media Report Postponement of Xi Jinping's Visit to Japan... Schedule Adjustment Possible Due to COVID-19 Impact, Attention on Changes to South Korea Visit Schedule

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] As rumors circulate about the postponement of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Japan, variables have emerged in the scenario of Xi's visit to South Korea in the first half of the year. Xi's itinerary is drawing attention as a variable that influences President Moon Jae-in's national agenda for this year.

On the 1st, Japan's Kyodo News, citing multiple government sources, reported the possibility of postponing Xi's visit to Japan, which had been planned for April. If the April visit to Japan becomes difficult, the schedule could be adjusted to after the Tokyo Olympics scheduled for July.

The reason the adjustment of Xi's visit to Japan is being discussed is linked to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). China is the country most affected by COVID-19, and Japan is also experiencing growing concerns over COVID-19 to the extent that controversy over postponing the Tokyo Olympics has emerged.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Depending on the Chinese government's judgment, not only the visit to Japan but also the schedule for visiting South Korea could be affected. The problem is that it is difficult to predict which direction the COVID-19 situation will take. Even if the domestic situation reaches a calm phase, if the situation in Japan or China does not improve, the repercussions could extend to South Korea.

Earlier, on the 20th of last month, President Moon held a phone call with President Xi, exchanging views on mutual concerns such as COVID-19 and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

President Moon said, "China's difficulties are our difficulties," and President Xi responded, "A friend in need is a true friend," reaffirming their friendly relations. Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok explained, "The two leaders agreed to proceed with Xi's visit to South Korea in the first half of this year as planned and to coordinate the specific timing through diplomatic channels."

The Blue House plans to use Xi's visit to resolve economic adversities such as the 'Hanhanryeong (限韓令)' and to secure momentum for improving inter-Korean relations. If Xi's visit in the first half of the year is ultimately canceled, changes to the national agenda timetable will be inevitable.

Since Xi's visit to Japan has not been finalized, the Blue House's existing stance is expected to be maintained for the time being. Although there have been domestic speculations that Xi's visit to South Korea in the first half of the year might be difficult due to various variables including COVID-19, the Blue House maintains its existing position without change.

Again, the Blue House plans to proceed with the visit schedule as planned regardless of whether Xi visits Japan. A Blue House official said, "Looking at the reports from Japanese media, the content is more about the situation in Japan than the domestic situation," and explained, "Xi's visit to South Korea in the first half of the year is being pursued as announced on the 20th of last month without change."

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