President Moon talks with Xi Jinping... Korea-China agree to share clinical treatment and cooperate between quarantine authorities

Xi Jinping's Visit to South Korea "Steadily Promoted in the First Half of the Year... Specific Timing Coordinated Between Diplomatic Authorities"

President Moon Jae-in held a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Blue House on the afternoon of the 20th to discuss cooperation measures between the two countries in response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). (Photo by Blue House)

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sunhee] On the afternoon of the 20th, President Moon Jae-in held a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which they shared clinical treatment experiences related to the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and agreed to strengthen cooperation between their quarantine authorities, the Blue House announced.

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated in a written briefing that "the two leaders spoke for 32 minutes from 5:28 PM to 6:00 PM, exchanging views on recent COVID-19 responses and issues of mutual interest such as the situation on the Korean Peninsula."

According to Spokesperson Kang, President Xi said during the call, "Through a month-long battle, we have accumulated a lot of clinical treatment experience," and expressed willingness to share clinical treatment experiences. In response, President Moon said, "South Korea is also making every effort to eradicate COVID-19, so we look forward to information sharing and joint response cooperation between the two countries," adding, "Since China has extensive clinical experience, sharing that information with our quarantine authorities would be helpful for eradication."

President Moon stated, "China's difficulties are our difficulties, so our government wants to support China's efforts as our closest neighbor in responding to COVID-19, even if only a little," and added, "I believe that the united strength of the Chinese people, led by President Xi, will overcome this situation well."

In response, President Xi explained the current status of the Chinese government's response measures related to COVID-19, saying, "The Chinese people have moved beyond initial fear and now see prospects and hope for overcoming the epidemic." He continued, "I deeply appreciate President Moon for calling to express encouragement and support in the fight against COVID-19," and said, "We cooperate and respond together in difficult times, and as close neighbors, the two countries are working with one heart to overcome this crisis." He also added, "I was especially moved by President Moon's evaluation of China's efforts and his statement that 'China's difficulties are Korea's difficulties.'"

This refers to remarks President Moon made at the Chief Presidential Secretary and Senior Secretary meeting on the 3rd, where he emphasized overcoming the situation based on support and cooperation between the two countries, saying, "China's difficulties are directly connected to our difficulties."

Spokesperson Kang said, "The two leaders agreed that the most urgent task regarding the Korean Peninsula issue is the resumption of dialogue between North Korea and the United States, and that both sides need to reconcile their differing views," adding, "President Xi actively supported President Moon's message on peace on the Korean Peninsula, and President Moon emphasized that if inter-Korean cooperation is achieved, it will create a virtuous cycle promoting North Korea-U.S. dialogue."

Regarding the timing of President Xi's visit to South Korea, expected in the first half of this year, it was stated, "It will proceed as planned without change, and the specific timing will be coordinated between the diplomatic authorities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.