"Is That Really the Same Person?"... Chinese Official Who Once Snubbed Japan Smiles Like a Boy Next to President Lee

[Financial News] As photos and videos of the meeting between President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to China, and Chinese President Xi Jinping have been released, an 'unexpected figure' has drawn attention.

This figure is Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who displayed a markedly different attitude compared to his meeting with a Japanese official last November.
Director Liu was captured at the Korea-China summit in Beijing on the 5th, smiling brightly as President Lee took a selfie with President Xi using the Xiaomi Corporation smartphone he had received as a gift. Liu was present at the scene, watching the two leaders with a cheerful expression.
On November 18 last year, Director Liu made headlines for his contrasting demeanor. After holding diplomatic talks with Masaaki Kanai, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liu was seen in a video with a stern expression, both hands in his pockets, looking down at Kanai, who appeared somewhat humiliated with his head bowed.
This video quickly spread not only in China but also in Japan through the social media account Yuyuan Tantian, run by China Central Television (CCTV), as well as other online platforms and media outlets.

Japanese media analyzed the video, saying it vividly illustrated the deteriorating China-Japan relations and the worsening normalization process following remarks by Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s Prime Minister, suggesting possible intervention in a Taiwan contingency. They also interpreted the footage as part of China’s propaganda efforts to project superiority over Japan.
Chinese media also showed keen interest in Liu’s appearance in the media with a completely different demeanor just two months later.
Local Chinese outlets such as Guancha reported, "Director Liu maintained a constant smile," adding, "It perfectly demonstrated China’s genuine friendship and hospitality toward its guests."
The outlet also noted that Chinese netizens commented, "When friends come, there is good wine; when wolves come..."
The omitted part of the netizen’s comment is known to mean, 'what awaits them is a hunting rifle.' This phrase, often used in Chinese diplomatic discourse, conveys the message that China will defend its core interests and adjust its approach depending on the counterpart.
y27k@fnnews.com Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter