Five Democratic Party Members' Trip to China Sparks Controversy: "Damaging National Dignity" vs. "Scheduled Itinerary"

Controversy Over Chinese Ambassador's 'Criticism of Korean Foreign Policy'
Ruling Party: "Must Break Away from Sadaejuui Mentality"
Opposition: "Visit Schedule Focused on Economic Think Tanks"

Amid the controversy sparked by 'Sing Haiming's remarks,' it has come to light that five lawmakers from the Democratic Party of Korea are currently visiting China on a 3-night, 4-day trip, causing further debate.

According to the Democratic Party on the 14th, Kim Tae-nyeon, Hong Ik-pyo, Ko Yong-jin, Hong Ki-won, and Hong Sung-guk, members of the party's Livelihood Economic Crisis Countermeasures Committee, arrived in Beijing, China on the 12th and are scheduled to return on the 15th. The committee issued a press release stating, "This schedule has been planned for two months and was carried out with the cooperation of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which allows access to key local think tanks."

Regarding the purpose of the visit, they explained, "The itinerary was planned to observe the local economic situation in China following the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown measures and to support the economic activities of Korean companies. We will also assess the atmosphere on the Chinese side amid the recent expansion of the trade deficit with China and the cooling of bilateral relations."

The committee added, "The visit schedule was organized around economic think tanks from the beginning, and contacts with Chinese government officials will mainly involve those responsible for economic and trade affairs. If necessary, we are also considering holding a press briefing after returning."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The issue lies in the timing of the Democratic Party lawmakers' visit to China. Recently, tensions between South Korea and China have escalated due to 'undiplomatic' remarks made by Sing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, during a dinner invitation with Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party.

Earlier, on the 8th, Ambassador Sing publicly stated at a dinner with Lee Jae-myung, "I would be very grateful if South Korea could break free from external interference (from the United States)." He added, "Some are betting that the U.S. will win and China will lose, but those who bet on China's defeat will surely regret it later."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is also reported to have expressed doubts about whether Ambassador Sing's remarks reflected an attitude of mutual respect or efforts to promote friendship. According to the presidential office, President Yoon said at a closed Cabinet meeting held at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 13th, "Our people are displeased with Ambassador Sing's inappropriate conduct."

Jeon Ju-hye, the floor spokesperson for the People Power Party, issued a statement on the 14th saying, "The Democratic Party downplayed the visit as mere parliamentary diplomacy, but this is a clear act of damaging national dignity." She added, "The public is angry at Ambassador Sing's attitude and Leader Lee's conduct. Does the Democratic Party not see this angry public sentiment?"

She continued, "South Korea is by no means a small country. It has joined the ranks of the G8, ranks 8th in the world economy, and 6th in military power. The Democratic Party should now break free from the servile and defeatist mindset of former President Moon Jae-in, who called China a high mountain peak and ourselves a small country."

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