Seohun-Yang Jiechi Meeting Concludes... Blue House Confirms Agreement on Early Visit of Xi Jinping (Comprehensive)

If Conditions Stabilize with COVID-19 Situation, Early Visit to Korea... China: "Korea is the Country President Xi Will Visit First"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] The Blue House announced that it has agreed to facilitate an early visit to South Korea by Chinese President Xi Jinping following the meeting between Suh Hoon, Director of the Blue House National Security Office, and Yang Jiechi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (Central Political Bureau Member) in charge of foreign affairs.

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated in a written briefing on the 22nd in Busan regarding the meeting between Director Suh and Political Bureau Member Yang Jiechi, "Both sides agreed to realize President Xi's visit to South Korea at an early date once the COVID-19 situation stabilizes and conditions are met, and they will continue to consult through diplomatic channels on specific matters such as the timing of the visit."

Spokesperson Kang emphasized, "The Chinese side confirmed that 'South Korea is the country President Xi prioritizes for his visit.'" Director Suh and Political Bureau Member Yang held talks from 9:30 a.m. for four hours and continued with a luncheon meeting from 1:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Director Suh and Political Bureau Member Yang discussed key issues including ▲ cooperation in response to COVID-19 ▲ high-level exchanges and other Korea-China mutual interests ▲ the Korean Peninsula issue and international affairs.

Spokesperson Kang explained, "Both sides agreed that Yang Jiechi's visit to South Korea after two years will serve as an important milestone for revitalizing exchanges and cooperation between Korea and China. In particular, today's meeting, which was the first courtesy meeting with a major foreign figure since Director Suh's appointment, was very meaningful and successfully held."

During the talks, Director Suh conveyed President Moon Jae-in's regards to President Xi Jinping, and Political Bureau Member Yang conveyed President Xi's regards to President Moon. Additionally, Yang Jiechi expressed gratitude once again for the condolence message sent to President Xi from President Moon during the floods in China last July.

Director Suh highlighted the significance of the joint efforts by both countries to restore and develop exchanges and cooperation, such as the establishment and expansion of fast-track channels despite the COVID-19 situation. He also requested that the Chinese side work together to promptly increase flight frequencies and expand visa issuance targets.

In response, Political Bureau Member Yang attached importance to holding the meeting around the Korea-China diplomatic anniversary (August 24, 28th anniversary).

Spokesperson Kang said, "(Political Bureau Member Yang) evaluated that over the past 28 years, bilateral relations have developed brilliantly and rapidly in various fields, and said that they will continue cooperation as important neighbors and partners in the future." He added, "Both sides agreed to overcome difficulties caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic together and to expand exchanges and communication at all levels through the talks."

The two sides also discussed the necessity of holding the Korea-China-Japan summit within this year.

Spokesperson Kang stated, "They also agreed that if Premier Li Keqiang visits South Korea in conjunction with the Korea-China-Japan summit, it will greatly contribute not only to trilateral relations but also to the future-oriented development of Korea-China relations."

The two sides exchanged views on issues including ▲ accelerating the second phase of FTA negotiations ▲ signing RCEP within the year ▲ joint entry into third-country markets ▲ discovering pilot projects linking the New Southern and New Northern Policies with the Belt and Road Initiative ▲ expanding cultural exchanges ▲ regional joint quarantine cooperation ▲ and the WTO Director-General election.

Spokesperson Kang explained, "The two sides also discussed regional and international issues including the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and especially shared the importance of strategic communication and cooperation between Korea and China in the process of advancing the peace process on the Korean Peninsula."

Director Suh emphasized that the Korean government will continue diplomatic efforts to advance the Korean Peninsula peace process. Political Bureau Member Yang evaluated the Korean government's active efforts for the progress of the peace process.

Yang Jiechi explained the current status of U.S.-China relations and China's position, while Director Suh emphasized that a cooperative and friendly relationship between the U.S. and China is important for peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the world.

Furthermore, Yang Jiechi invited Director Suh to visit China at an early date, and both sides agreed to consult through diplomatic channels.

Spokesperson Kang said, "Yang Jiechi's visit to South Korea is the first visit by a high-ranking Chinese official since COVID-19, serving as an opportunity to reaffirm the will of both countries to restore and revitalize exchanges and cooperation through high-level face-to-face communication between Korea and China."

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