President Park Geun-hye’s plan to give a speech in Chinese during her state visit later this week is drawing attention from the public, a state-run media outlet said Monday.

“Park’s proficiency in Chinese is reportedly beyond beginner level, and she is capable of handling a full speech in Chinese,” the Chinese newspaper wrote.

It also reported that Park made the decision in order to “show sincerity” toward the people of China and is “currently striving to work on her Chinese without fixing any official schedules.”

In the history of summit meetings held in China, it is the first time for any high-level delegation to give a full speech in Chinese. Park’s effort to forge positive diplomatic ties with China is expected to create a “new start for the future China-Korea relationship,” said the newspaper.

Park’s widely anticipated Chinese speech will be given at the special lecture scheduled to be held at a university in Beijing during her four-day visit set for June 27-30.

Jin Eun-soo, Intern reporter
(janna924@heraldcorp.com)