Sehun Meets Yang Jiechi to Discuss 'End-of-War Declaration'... China Also Expresses Support

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 2nd, Seo Hoon, Director of the National Security Office, held talks and a dinner meeting with Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee of China, and discussed mutual concerns including the declaration of the end of the war, the Blue House announced on the 3rd.

Both sides exchanged assessments of the current situation on the Korean Peninsula and agreed on the importance of dialogue and diplomatic efforts with North Korea for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace. They also agreed to strengthen strategic communication and cooperation between the two countries to this end.

Director Seo explained South Korea's efforts to advance the peace process on the Korean Peninsula, including the declaration of the end of the war, and Commissioner Yang said, "We support the promotion of the declaration of the end of the war and believe that the declaration will contribute to promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

Commissioner Yang also emphasized that China consistently supports the South Korean government's efforts to improve inter-Korean relations and that China will continue its efforts for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Both sides agreed on the importance of stable management of the situation on the Korean Peninsula while making efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea.

They also discussed supply chain issues such as urea. Director Seo requested China's cooperation to ensure the smooth export of Chinese products such as urea to South Korea, as it is important for Korea-China economic cooperation, and Commissioner Yang said, "We are well aware of the importance of mutually complementary economic cooperation, including the smooth supply of raw materials between Korea and China, and will actively work on it."

Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and strive for prompt problem-solving in case of any other unexpected situations in the future.

They also discussed Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea. Both sides reaffirmed their consensus to promote President Xi's visit to South Korea as soon as the COVID-19 situation stabilizes and conditions are met, and agreed to pursue necessary communication between the leaders even before that.

Director Seo conveyed President Moon Jae-in's regards to President Xi during the entire meeting, and Commissioner Yang also conveyed President Xi's regards to President Moon. Both sides evaluated that despite the COVID-19 situation, the two countries have continued exchanges at the summit and high-level levels in both non-face-to-face and face-to-face formats, and agreed to strengthen strategic communication at all levels including parliament, political parties, and local governments.

They also agreed to work together to deepen and develop the Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership further in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations next year, and to carry out the "'Year of Korea-China Cultural Exchange'" commemorative projects in a substantial manner.

In particular, Director Seo requested China's cooperation to activate exchanges and cooperation in cultural content fields such as games, movies, broadcasting, and music between the two countries. In response, Commissioner Yang said, "China also values related cooperation and is actively working on it," and suggested continuing cooperation in the future. He added that he hopes tourism cooperation will expand as the COVID-19 situation improves.

Both sides exchanged broad opinions on regional and international issues. Director Seo listened to China's explanation on recent U.S.-China communication and emphasized that the stable development of U.S.-China relations is important for peace and prosperity not only in Northeast Asia but also worldwide.

In addition, both sides agreed that strengthening practical cooperation in quarantine and economy has played a major role as an important axis in the development of bilateral relations, and evaluated the cooperation so far, including the expansion of fast-track channels related to the COVID-19 situation. They agreed to continue cooperating to expand human exchanges and contribute to rapid economic recovery while considering the future quarantine situation.

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