President Moon: "No Invitation to Beijing Boycott... Cross-Strait Relations Also Linked to Korea's Peace" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in stated regarding South Korea's participation in the boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, "We have not received any invitation to participate from the United States or any other country." On cross-strait relations (China-Taiwan relations), he emphasized that "it is very important for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula" and urged a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

On the morning of the 13th, after holding a summit with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the Australian Parliament in Canberra, President Moon responded to a reporter's question about the "decision on a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics," saying, "the South Korean government is not considering it either."

Regarding concerns from some quarters that his visit to Australia, which has strained relations with China over coal exports/imports and the Beijing Winter Olympics boycott, might send a negative signal to China, President Moon replied, "Issues like AUKUS are matters for Australia to decide autonomously as a sovereign nation, and South Korea respects that decision," adding, "Today's state visit to Australia is unrelated to our stance on China."

When asked about South Korea's position on cross-strait relations, he explained, "Peace and stability in cross-strait relations are very important and closely linked to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," and added, "I believe peace and stability in cross-strait relations must be maintained, and international cooperation is necessary in this regard."

Regarding security alliances with a strong focus on China, such as AUKUS and QUAD, he said, "I hope they will be operated in a way that contributes to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response to an Australian reporter's question about whether Australia and South Korea can cooperate regarding economic retaliatory measures imposed by China, President Moon said, "South Korea will strive to maintain a harmonious relationship with China while basing its alliance firmly on the United States," adding, "Although there are conflicts and competition issues in the relationship with China, there are also areas where cooperation is necessary on global challenges such as climate change, supply chain issues, and infectious diseases."

President Moon pointed out that while South Korea and Australia share commonalities in basing their diplomatic security on alliances with the United States and having similar economic relations with China, a difference lies in South Korea's need for constructive efforts with China for peace on the Korean Peninsula and North Korea's denuclearization.

Expressing gratitude for Australia's consistent support for the Korean Peninsula peace process and the declaration of the end of the war, President Moon emphasized, "The declaration of the end of the war signifies ending the unstable armistice system that has lasted nearly 70 years and ending the war, but it is also an important momentum to resume dialogue among South Korea, North Korea, and the United States."

President Moon stated, "The declaration of the end of the war is not the ultimate goal itself," and added, "It has important significance as a process that serves as a starting point to begin peace negotiations on a denuclearization regime going forward."

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