On May 13, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea, held talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Zhao Jinlie in Beijing.
Wang Yi said that China and the ROK are close neighbors and should come and go frequently. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 30 years ago, the overall development of bilateral relations has been smooth and fruitful. The two sides established a strategic cooperative partnership in 2008, placing relations with each other at a more important position in their respective diplomacy. China and the ROK have made mutual achievements in exchanges and cooperation, achieved common development and contributed to regional peace and prosperity, which fully demonstrates that the development of China ROK relations conforms to the trend of the times and reflects the will of the people. Recently, China ROK relations have faced difficulties and challenges, which is not in line with the common interests of both sides, nor is China willing to see. It is hoped that the ROK, together with China, will stick to the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, adhere to the direction of good neighborliness and friendship, firm the goal of mutually beneficial cooperation, eliminate interference, and work together to promote the healthy and stable development of China ROK relations.
Wang Yi pointed out that there is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and South Korea, and they should pursue the realm of harmony but difference. Both sides should understand and respect each other, strengthen communication and exchanges, eliminate misunderstanding and enhance mutual trust. It is hoped that the ROK will abide by the one China principle, properly and prudently handle Taiwan related issues, and consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations. Both sides should send more objective and positive messages, increase positive guidance, strengthen people to people and cultural exchanges, and consolidate the public opinion foundation of bilateral relations. China ROK economic and trade cooperation is large in scale and highly complementary. Last year, the trade volume exceeded 310 billion US dollars. China is accelerating the development of new quality productivity, promoting high-quality development and expanding high-level opening up, which will bring important opportunities to South Korea. The two sides should deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, be reliable and long-term partners in each other's development process, jointly oppose trade protectionism, maintain the international free trade system, and ensure the stability and smoothness of the production and supply chain. I hope your working visit will play a positive role in improving and developing China ROK relations.
Cho said that he hoped that this visit would become an important step forward for ROK China relations. The ROK government attaches great importance to its relations with China and looks forward to close cooperation with China on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and common interests to develop a healthier and more mature strategic cooperative partnership. To promote the development of ROK China relations and work together to meet common challenges is in line with the common interests of the two countries and peoples, and is also the expectation of the international community. The ROK does not support zero sum game, and hopes to develop relations with other countries in a balanced way. It is willing to enhance mutual trust, expand consensus, focus on cooperation with China, avoid geopolitical constraints as far as possible, and jointly open a new situation of ROK China cooperation.
The two sides also exchanged views on China Japan ROK cooperation, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and other issues of common concern.