Opposition leader to meet with Chinese Ambassador

Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, left, holds a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming at the National Assembly in Seoul on Nov. 7, 2022. [YONHAP]

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is to visit the residence of Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming on Thursday for a dinner meeting expected to discuss Japan's planned release of treated radioactive water from the ruined Fukushima nuclear power plant.

The meeting comes as the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol has been seeking to bring Korea closer to the United States and Japan in a key policy departure from the preceding Moon Jae-in administration.

During Thursday's meeting, Lee and the Chinese envoy are also expected to discuss efforts to increase economic cooperation, strengthen public diplomacy and reduce negative public sentiments against each other's country.

Lee is also expected to ask for Beijing's role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

His People Power Party counterpart Kim Gi-hyeon is also scheduled to meet with Japanese Ambassador Koichi Aiboshi on the same day at the National Assembly.

They are also expected to discuss the release of treated radioactive water at the ruined Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Yonhap