President should visit

Beijing trip to strengthen alliance with U.S. as well President Park Geun-hye should visit Beijing and stand with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a massive military parade on Sept. 3 to celebrate the anniversary of the World War II victory over Japan. Cheong Wa Dae still has not decided on Park's participation in the event less than three weeks away, worrying that it will harm the nation's alliance with the United States.  There is no need for further vacillating because her visit has more benefits than disadvantages. First, China is Korea's biggest trading partner and is emerging as the dominant power in the region and a global superpower.  Second, China is just about the only country that can exert influence over North Korea. For reconciliation and eventual unification with the North, Beijing may hold the key. Park compared unification with reaping the benefits of a "bonanza," and few would disagree. Third, the occasion carries significance for Korea as well because it marks China's victory over Japan, the nation that forcefully annexed Korea and ruled it for 36 years. Korea celebrates Aug. 15 as Liberation Day from Japanese colonial rule. Fourth, China fought with the United States against Imperial Japan. Of course, one historical irony is that the late Gen. Chiang Kai-shek of Kuomingtang was credited with China' victory over Japan but Xi, a descendant of its rival, the communists, will stand as host. Fifth, only several leaders have committed to attending the ceremony so Park's presence would be better appreciated by the Chinese hosts. Sixth, Park would be able to strengthen her friendship with host Xi. The two know each other well and have developed mutual trust. Seventh, domestically, she can get bragging rights about striking a greater balance in Korea's diplomacy, which critics claim relies heavily on its alliance with U.S. Eighth, Park can also give Washington a wakeup call about its unilateral support for Japan's nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as part of its pivot to Asia, disappointing Koreans who view the U.S. as letting Japan get away with its wartime misdeeds that victimized their ancestors. Ninth, the visit can strengthen Seoul-Beijing teamwork faced with Japan's resurgence as a dominant power. The predominant worry for Korea meanwhile is the possibility of damaging the alliance with the U.S. It is true that the Washington-Beijing rivalry is deepening. President Barack Obama pleaded with America's allies ― Britain and Korea among others, to stay away from the Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank but they joined because joining served their national interest better than staying away. Japan has not joined because it sees China as a rival and needs U.S. support to maintain its regional hegemony. It's about time to consider the example of King Injo. The 16th king of the Joseon Dynasty failed to decide which side he would support between Ching, the emerging power in China proper, and Ming, the declining power, facing Ching's invasion without Ming's support. Park may think she is in the king's position but she is not. Nobody is asking her to pick one over the other. Rather, what we are suggesting is that Korea as a middle power should make new friends and strengthen the existing alliances and a Beijing visit won't hurt relations with U.S. If necessary, Park can send Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se to Washington or invite Ambassador Mark Lippert to explain her decision to visit Beijing. Speaking of Minister Yun, Park is facing a "diplomatic blessing" in his words as Korea is enjoying, being courted by world powers. For traditionalists, it may look a curse. It is Park's job to make it a blessing. She should go to Beijing. foolsdie@koreatimes.c