Washington requests Pres. Park not to take part in China’s war victory event

Citing American government officials and diplomatic delegation, Japan’s Kyodo News reported on Sunday that Washington has requested, through Seoul’s diplomatic channel, President Park Geun-hye not to attend the commemoration event of China’s 70th anniversary for the victory of war against Japan, which is scheduled to be held on September 3.

According to the report, Washington delivered its message to Seoul that says, “President Park’s attendance to the event and a military inspection would produce the wrong impression that China disrupted the alliance between Korea and America.” The U.S. is also said to have expressed its thought that President Park’s participation would have influence in the strategy of the Obama administration that puts much importance on Asia based on Korea, America and Japan’s cooperation. “Washington is concerned that President Park’s attendance in the event that celebrates China’s victory of the war against Japan would create an image that Korea and China are joining hands to stand against Japan in regard to historical issues,” said Kyodo News.

“The decision on the attendance is up to Korea. It’s not the matter that someone would pressure us to or not to take part in the event,” a Korean official from Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, adding that the Kyodo News report is “groundless.” It is known that the Korean government is now weighing gains and losses of participation or nonparticipation.

peacechaos@donga.com