Wang Yi of China: "Resolving Military Threats Facing North Korea is Key to Korean Peninsula Issues"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Wang Yi, China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister, stated that "the key to the Korean Peninsula issue is resolving the military threats that North Korea has faced for many years."

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 5th, after holding successive meetings with Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and foreign ministers from four Asian countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Wang made these remarks in an interview with Chinese media.

Regarding denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of a peace regime, Wang said, "They do not conflict even if pursued simultaneously," and emphasized that "they should be promoted together." He also expressed expectations for a more active role from South Korea in this regard.

He added, "South Korea and China continuously promote the political resolution process of the Korean Peninsula issue and reaffirmed the significant positive meaning of the 2018 North Korea-U.S. summit joint statement."

On China-South Korea relations, Wang described the two countries as "eternal neighbors and strategic cooperative partners," stating, "We share common interests and similar ideals in areas such as maintaining regional stability, promoting joint development, and improving global governance." He continued, "Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the two countries have implemented joint prevention and control policies and opened a fast track for personnel exchanges," adding, "This reflects the high level of China-South Korea relations and the strength of bilateral friendship."

He also mentioned the promise of various cultural exchanges in celebration of this year and next year being the 'Year of China-South Korea Cultural Exchange' and the '30th Anniversary of China-South Korea Diplomatic Relations.' Wang said, "The two countries are geographically close and culturally connected," and "We have agreed to convene the China-South Korea Humanities Exchange Promotion Committee as soon as possible to hold rich and diverse events."

He stated, "The two countries have decided to leverage their respective strengths to strengthen practical cooperation," and "to conclude the second phase of the China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations early and enhance cooperation in science, technology, and innovation."

Additionally, he revealed discussions on mutual recognition of vaccine inoculation and health code systems for each other's citizens.

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