South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) continued its criticism of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung for his recent meeting with Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming, calling it an “unprecedented diplomatic disaster.” PPP leader Kim Gi-hyeon stated the meeting didn’t advance South Korea’s national interests and instead exposed the DP’s willingness to harm South Korea’s national dignity as long as it tarnishes the Yoon administration’s reputation. Kim also made a sarcastic comment regarding Lee’s explanation that his meeting with Xing was in support of South Korea’s national interest, asking if subservience to China served the country’s national interest.

Lee’s meeting with Xing, which was streamed live on the DP’s YouTube page, showed Xing reading a prepared statement for about 15 minutes while Lee sat quietly during Xing’s prepared statement.