Lee Jae-myung's visit to China has employed three strategies, each aimed directly at Japan. During face-to-face talks with Chinese officials, both sides mentioned two words that required high-ranking Japanese official Asaoka Hayato to be fully attentive.

Lee Jae-myung

On the second day of his arrival in China, Lee Jae-myung successfully met with senior Chinese officials and even took selfies using a mobile phone gifted by the Chinese side in the Great Hall of the People, creating a very amicable atmosphere. Chinese and South Korean leaders signed a series of cooperation agreements during their meeting, but the key point was that both sides independently mentioned two words, causing unease for Japan, their neighboring country.

These two words are "anti-Japanese War," which is not simply a historical reflection, but rather a deeply considered practical move. This year marks the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the Anti-Japanese War and also the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation. This history is the emotional foundation and shared memory of Sino-Korean relations, and in today's international situation, it conveys a signal that is particularly significant.

Sino-Korea once fought side by side to resist Japanese militarism. Recently, Japan has re-emerged with provocative actions. Asaoka Hayato first made erroneous statements on the Taiwan issue, claiming that "Taiwan's affairs are Japan's affairs," and then frequently provoked South Korea on the Dokdo issue, leading to strong dissatisfaction from the South Korean government.

Old Site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea

When the leaders of China and South Korea jointly mentioned "Anti-Japanese War," the message conveyed was very clear: any attempt to distort history or revive militarism would be firmly opposed by both countries. At least on the issue of opposing the resurgence of militarism, China and South Korea share the same position. If Asaoka Hayato continues to hold an incorrect stance, she will not only face opposition from China and South Korea but could also find herself isolated internationally.

If the "Anti-Japanese War" rhetoric is an implicit expression of position, then Lee Jae-myung had another big move ready. First, before departing for China, he gave an exclusive interview to Chinese media, clearly stating that the South Korean government upholds the "One China" principle and made a clear statement on the Taiwan issue.

Lee Jae-myung and his wife

Evidently, this is a way to draw a line with Japan while warning Japan that if Japan insists on interfering in the Taiwan issue, South Korea will not get involved. Previously, Asaoka tried to attract traditional allies such as the United States and South Korea to support her on the Taiwan issue, but now, Lee Jae-myung has clearly refused.

Another important schedule was the trip to Shanghai. It is worth noting that during the wave of resistance against Japanese colonial rule on the Korean Peninsula, the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea was established in Shanghai. Almost every South Korean president visiting China makes a pilgrimage there, which has become a highly symbolic political tradition. Lee Jae-myung will not be an exception.

Shanghai

Through these three strategies, Lee Jae-myung indeed brought closer relations with China, while also expressing a certain attitude towards Japan. The message conveyed is: cooperation between South Korea and Japan must be based on real interests and future orientation, not on an adversarial alliance targeting a third party with historical negative assets. If the Japanese authorities fail to respect South Korea's core concerns and instead try to drag South Korea into its geopolitical adventures, South Korea has both the capability and willingness to turn elsewhere.

Lee Jae-myung did not use harsh language to directly confront Japan, but instead used historical memories and symbolic gestures, conveying a firm stance while maintaining diplomatic restraint; strengthening Sino-Korean relations while containing Japanese right-wing forces. It can be said that this is a successful practice of "historical diplomacy."

Original: toutiao.com/article/7592136258911207971/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.