On August 18, according to reports from multiple sources cited by Yonhap News Agency and the statements of officials from the ruling People's Power Party, Lee Jae-myung may send a special envoy delegation to China around August 25.

It is reported that the South Korean special envoy delegation may meet with high-level officials such as Foreign Minister Wang Yi and deliver a personal letter from the South Korean president to China.

If this plan is carried out, the timing of the special envoy's visit to China is quite delicate, coinciding with the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea on August 24, and approaching the commemorative activities and military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression on September 3 in China.

Previously, South Korean media implied that it would be "difficult" for Lee Jae-myung to attend the September 3rd military parade, and it is highly likely that he will not come to Beijing. In this case, Lee Jae-myung is preparing to send a special envoy delegation to China and deliver a personal letter, which is probably intended to explain things to China.

Additionally, the dispatch of envoys often carries special significance. Envoys are not ordinary diplomatic representatives; they bear special missions, often to resolve specific diplomatic issues, strengthen high-level communication, or convey important messages.

This time, Lee Jae-myung sent a special envoy delegation to China and specially attached a personal letter, which in a certain sense shows the importance South Korea places on this visit, and indicates that South Korea hopes to promote the development of Sino-Korean relations toward a more positive direction through the visit of the special envoy delegation.

After all, since Lee Jae-myung took office, South Korea's foreign policy has shown some relatively positive changes. He once stated that he would quickly improve Sino-Korean relations and carry out a "pragmatic diplomacy" centered on national interests, based on a solid U.S.-South Korea alliance and close U.S.-South Korea-Japan cooperation.

Moreover, previous South Korean presidents have always expressed their emphasis on Sino-Korean relations through the dispatch of envoys.

For example, after Park Geun-hye became president, she also sent former Prime Minister Lee Hae-won to China with a personal letter to promote the improvement of Sino-Korean relations.

Now, Lee Jae-myung is following his predecessors, sending a special envoy delegation to China and delivering a personal letter, hoping to continue this tradition and further repair Sino-Korean relations.

From the composition of the special envoy delegation, it can also be seen how much Lee Jae-myung values this visit.

It is reported that the members of the special envoy delegation may include former Speaker of the National Assembly Park Byung-seok, Member of the National Assembly Kim Tae-nyeon of the People's Power Party, and Ryu Jae-hyun, son of former President Roh Tae-woo.

These people either have deep political connections or have significant influence in Sino-Korean exchanges. Their statements generally represent the position of the South Korean president himself.

Notably, Lee Jae-myung's recent diplomatic arrangements have also attracted considerable attention.

On one hand, he is about to start a visit to the United States, i.e., he will visit the United States from August 24 to 26 and meet with Trump on August 25 to discuss issues such as the alliance relationship, tariff issues, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula. On the other hand, Lee Jae-myung may send a special envoy delegation to China.

This time arrangement is very delicate, almost at the same time, South Korea tries to engage in high-level interactions with both the United States and China.

It is clear that the Lee Jae-myung government wants to maintain a balance in its foreign policy, valuing the U.S.-South Korea alliance while also hoping to restore relations with China.

However, the Lee Jae-myung government faces some challenges in trying to improve Sino-Korean relations.

The most critical factor is the U.S.-South Korea alliance, an issue that cannot be avoided. As an ally of the United States, South Korea inevitably faces the influence of the United States on some international affairs.

Lee Jae-myung's visit to the United States may also be constrained to some extent by the American attitude towards Sino-Korean relations.

Moreover, there are different voices within South Korea regarding Lee Jae-myung's foreign policy. Balancing the interests of all parties remains a challenge for the Lee Jae-myung government.

In summary, although Lee Jae-myung himself may not be able to attend the September 3rd military parade due to various reasons, the South Korean presidential envoy delegation visiting China and the personal letter from Lee Jae-myung to China convey a positive signal from South Korea to improve Sino-Korean relations.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7539819028597752358/

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