I am now the chief editorial writer of The Korea Times. I also worked as the managing editor of the newspaper for 26 months from April 2018. Before that my stints included Politics Desk editor, Business Desk editor, City Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. As a journalist of The Korea Times, the most influential English newspaper of Korea, I have been committed to promoting 'international justice' beyond the social justice pursued by vernacular papers. My career includes working as a visiting scholar in Britain's Cambridge University from 2006-07.
Why did President Lee refer to Xi's remark as 'the words of Confucius'?
President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, shake hands during a Korea-China memorandum of understanding signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Jan. 5. (Yonhap)
By Shim Jae-yun
When President Lee Jae Myung said that he understood Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remark about “standing on the right side of history” as “the words of Confucius,” he was making a carefully calibrated diplomatic statement rather than a philosophical observation. His comment reveals how South Korea seeks to manage sensitive relations with China without compromising its own national interests or international positioning.
President Xi’s phrasing has been interpreted widely as carrying political weight. In recent years, China has used moral and historical language to frame global issues, sometimes implying that other countries should align with China’s vision of world order, particularly in contrast to U.S.-led alliances. Against this backdrop, Xi’s remark raised speculation that China was subtly urging South Korea to distance itself from U.S.-centered cooperation.
Lee’s response deliberately defused that interpretation. By describing the remark as “the words of Confucius,” he reframed it as a universal moral teaching rather than a geopolitical directive. Confucius is widely associated with ideas such as ethical conduct, harmony and living a righteous life. In this sense, Lee suggested that Xi’s words should be understood as a general call to act justly, not as a demand for political alignment.
This framing served multiple purposes. It allowed Lee to show respect for Chinese culture and tradition, reducing the risk of diplomatic friction. At the same time, it avoided endorsing any specific Chinese strategic position. By emphasizing that public remarks should be taken at face value, Lee signaled that South Korea would not read hidden instructions into such statements.
Ultimately, Lee’s comment underscored a core principle of South Korean diplomacy: engagement without submission. By treating Xi’s remark as a moral aphorism rather than a strategic ultimatum, Lee reaffirmed that South Korea will pursue its own national interests while maintaining constructive relations with all major powers.
Shim Jae-yun is chief editorial writer of The Korea Times.