Foreign Ministry Says White House's "Chinese Interference" Remark Is Separate from Election

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on June 5 that it considers the recent mention of "Chinese interference" by the White House in a message regarding South Korea's presidential election results to be "a matter separate from the South Korean election."

Yonhap News Agency

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to media inquiries on the matter that day, saying, "The main point of the White House Press Office's background briefing is that a free and fair election was held in South Korea." The official added, "The official position of the United States regarding our election results is clearly reflected in the statement issued under the name of Secretary of State Marco Rubio."

Earlier, on June 3 (local time), the White House commented on the results of South Korea's presidential election, stating, "South Korea held a free and fair election." However, it also said, "The United States remains concerned about and opposes Chinese interference and influence operations targeting democracies around the world," which sparked controversy. The mention of "Chinese interference and influence operations" in response to South Korea's election results led to various interpretations.

However, on the same day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued an official statement congratulating President Lee Jaemyung on his election victory and expressing the United States' expectation to strengthen cooperation with the new Lee administration in areas such as security and the economy, including trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan. The statement made no mention of China.

Meanwhile, since President Lee's inauguration, there has not yet been a phone call between the leaders of South Korea and the United States. Based on past precedent, it was expected that the first communication would take place late in the afternoon on the day of the inauguration, but it appears to be somewhat delayed.

Previously, former President Yoon Sukyeol had his first phone call with the U.S. president the day after his election victory (March 10, 2022). Former President Moon Jaein, who, like President Lee, took office immediately without a transition period, spoke with the U.S. president on his inauguration day (May 10, 2017). Former President Park Geunhye had her first phone call with the U.S. president two days after her election (December 21, 2012). The first head-of-state-level communication for every South Korean president in history has always been with the United States.

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