By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

Jeju Governor Oh Young-hoon met with new Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Seoul on Jan. 15 to discuss ways to strengthen multifaceted exchange and cooperation between Jeju and Chinese local governments.

This was Ambassador Dai Bing's first official meeting with the head of a metropolitan organization after his appointment, and the meeting lasted for about an hour.

“Jeju is preparing to declare carbon neutrality in 2035 and transition to a hydrogen-based society,” Oh said during the meeting, adding, ”I hope that Jeju will become the center of energy exchange connecting the Korean Peninsula, China, and Japan as a green energy island in Northeast Asia.”

“China's renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and hydropower, are world-class,” said Ambassador Dai Bing, adding that the two sides could explore new possibilities for cooperation in this area, including a 70 percent share of the renewable energy vehicle market.

Jeju and China are also materializing logistics cooperation, including preparations for the opening of a maritime trade route between Jeju and Qingdao.

“Jeju Island has completed practical preparations, including customs, offices, and accommodation at the port, and is awaiting the South Korean government's prompt approval,” Oh said.

“China has already authorized the new Jeju-Qingdao route, and the South Korean government should accelerate it,” said Ambassador Dai Bing.

Governor Oh asked Ambassador Dai Bing to visit Jeju, and also suggested a high-level visit to Jeju on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea this November.

“We will work together to make the high-level exchanges between our two countries fruitful,” said Ambassador Dai Bing, adding, ”I will visit Jeju as soon as I have a chance after my schedule in Seoul.”