By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

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The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is further strengthening its ties with China, ushering in a new era of cooperation. Governor Oh Young-hoon met with Chen Jianjun (50), the new Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Jeju, during his visit to the Jeju Provincial Government on Sept. 13.

“Jeju and China have maintained close ties in various fields, including international exchanges, cultural tourism, and student exchanges,” said Governor Oh. ‘We hope to expand cooperation in high-tech industries such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and urban air transportation (UAM) based on Jeju's vision of becoming a ’global carbon-neutral city' and China's achievements in eco-friendly policies.”

“As my first consul general in South Korea, I will do my best to cooperate with Jeju Island by utilizing my 20 years of diplomatic experience,” said Chen Jianjun.

“We plan to further strengthen exchanges between the two regions through the 30th anniversary of Jeju-Hainan exchanges next year and the Jeju-China Future Development Forum,” he said. ”We are deeply grateful for the interest and cooperation shown in trilateral relations and exchanges between local governments.”

In particular, he noted that trade exchanges with Qingdao, Shandong Province, will be carried out through the opening of a logistics port for the first time in 666 years. “This will further deepen the friendly relations between the two countries and the two regions, and we look forward to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields,” said Consul General Chen Jianjun.

Jeju Island has sister, friendship, and working exchange city relationships with 20 local governments in China. The exchanges range from culture, tourism, and the environment to international organization activities and the private sector.

The resumption of 11 air routes between Jeju and China, which were suspended due to COVID-19, has also boosted bilateral exchanges. By September 4, the number of mainland Chinese tourists visiting Jeju exceeded 1 million.