The Presidential Office stated on the 2nd regarding President Lee Jae-myung's attendance at the 80th anniversary ceremony of China's Victory Day on September 3 that 'the two countries, Korea and China, are in communication.' The Presidential Office issued a statement through the Spokesperson's office, saying, 'Whether President Lee Jae-myung will attend China's 80th anniversary ceremony of Victory Day on September 3 is under communication regarding related issues between Korea and China,' while adding, 'It is difficult to disclose the specific details being conducted through diplomatic channels.'
The Presidential Office went on to say, 'Korea and China are closely communicating based on a shared understanding that the two countries should develop their relationship through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).'
According to diplomatic sources, the Chinese government has recently inquired about President Lee's intention to attend the military parade during meetings with Korean officials and scholars. Although the Chinese government has not yet officially delivered an invitation to our government, there is widespread interpretation that the inquiry through embassies equates to conveying an 'intention to invite.'
China has designated September 3rd, the day following the end of World War II on September 2, 1945, as 'Anti-Japanese War Victory Day.' This year marks the 80th anniversary, which is a milestone anniversary (every 5 or 10 years), and the Chinese government is preparing it with greater significance. The event will take place in the form of a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The last time a Korean leader attended China's Victory Day event was during the 70th anniversary ceremony in 2015 under the Park Geun-hye administration. At that time, President Park Geun-hye attended, citing the importance of China's role in 'resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.'