By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held talks and a dinner with Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, in Beijing, China, on September 17. They exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including South Korea-China relations and issues on the Korean Peninsula.
Minister Cho emphasized, “Today's meeting, as the first South Korea-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting since the inauguration of our new government, holds significance for the development of bilateral relations.”
He expressed hope that, taking the Gyeongju APEC Summit as an opportunity, both sides would work together to ensure the development of South Korea-China relations leads to tangible outcomes that contribute to the livelihoods of the peoples of both countries.
Minister Wang welcomed Minister Cho's visit to China, stating that developing China-South Korea relations through this year's and next year's consecutive APEC hosting by both countries holds significant meaning for China as well.
Minister Cho stated that the position of the Korean government is to firmly develop the ROK-US alliance while also promoting the mature development of the ‘Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Korea and China’ based on national interests and pragmatism.
He added that efforts to strengthen the public opinion foundation for the development of Korea-China relations, such as enhancing mutual understanding and fostering friendly sentiments between the peoples of both countries, should also be continuously pursued.
Minister Wang emphasized that China will continue to maintain the stability and continuity of its friendly policy toward South Korea, calling for sustained cooperation to elevate the ‘China-South Korea Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ to a higher level.
Minister Cho stated that as the economic cooperation structure between Korea and China shifts from vertical division of labor to horizontal cooperation, the bilateral economic cooperation model must also evolve with the times. He called for continued communication and cooperation at all levels to ensure the mutually beneficial cooperative relationship between Korea and China continues to contribute to the livelihoods of both peoples.
Furthermore, the two ministers agreed to continue regional cooperation by utilizing the Korea-China-Japan cooperation mechanism.
Furthermore, Minister Cho emphasized the need to respect mutual concerns, including issues in the West Sea, and requested China's special cooperation in protecting the safety and rights of our citizens in China.
Meanwhile, Minister Cho stated that the Korean government is pursuing substantive progress toward denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation, and requested China's efforts to encourage North Korea's return to dialogue.
Minister Wang affirmed that China will continue to play a constructive role for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and proposed maintaining ongoing communication.
Regarding Minister Cho's invitation to Minister Wang to visit Korea before the Gyeongju APEC meeting, Minister Wang responded that he looked forward to meeting Minister Cho in Korea soon.
Minister Wang expressed deep condolences on behalf of the Chinese government for the noble sacrifice of Police Officer Lee Jae-seok, who died in the line of duty while rescuing a Chinese citizen.
