Chinese Embassy in Korea Sets Up 'Jiang Zemin Memorial Altar'... Park Jin Considers Paying Respects

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Will Follow China's Position of Not Accepting Overseas Condolences"

Tiananmen Square with flags flown at half-mast following the death of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] A memorial altar for the late Jiang Zemin, former President of China, will be set up at the Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Korea from the 1st to the 6th.

The Chinese Embassy in Korea stated, "A mourning hall and condolence book will be prepared for Korean government officials, foreign envoys stationed in Korea, representatives of international organizations, and key friendly figures," adding, "Memorial altars will also be set up at the Chinese Consulates General in Busan, Gwangju, and Jeju to receive condolences."

The Chinese Embassy requested that, considering COVID-19 prevention measures, people contact the embassy before paying their respects.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said regarding whether Minister Park Jin would visit the domestic memorial altar for the late President Jiang, "Since the embassy just announced the plan, we are reviewing it," and added, "It seems that Minister Park will likely sign the condolence book."

Regarding whether major domestic figures will travel directly to China to offer condolences, the official said, "The Chinese government has announced that it will not accept overseas condolences," and added, "We intend to respect and follow the Chinese government's funeral procedures and stance as much as possible."

Meanwhile, the official addressed speculation about the possibility of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visiting Korea within the year, stating, "No concrete plans have been made yet," and explained, "However, following the Korea-China summit held on the sidelines of last month's G20 summit, both governments agreed to continue high-level personnel exchanges, so necessary communication and consultations are expected."

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