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Jung Chung-rae, leader of the ruling Democratic Party, speaks during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on October 22. / Photo by Lee Byung-hwa, Asia Today

Jung Chung-rae, leader of the ruling Democratic Party, on Monday proposed that both the ruling and opposition parties suspend political strife during the APEC summit week, calling for unity and cooperation in pursuit of the national interest.

“At times, we must even hold hands with the devil if it serves our national interest,” Jung said during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly. “I will take the initiative myself. At least for this week, I ask the opposition to refrain from combative remarks and show virtue for the good of the country.”

Jung recalled past instances of bipartisan solidarity, noting, “During the 2002 World Cup, the parties agreed to a nonpartisan period, and in 1998, during the IMF crisis, the National Assembly Speaker led a similar agreement.”

He added that the upcoming APEC summit could become a key opportunity for Korea to lay the foundation for growth in politics, the economy, and culture. “Given Korea’s high dependence on external factors, diplomacy is crucial—it is our economy and our defense,” Jung said. “In this complex global environment, Korea’s role as a mediator will shine.”

Jung also emphasized the significance of summit diplomacy. “President Lee Jae-myung is preparing to meet with President Donald Trump, while Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are also set to hold their first summit in six years,” he said. “We hope this APEC gathering will help ease the current U.S.-China tariff tensions and foster renewed cooperation.”