'Mutual Respect' 'Multilateral Cooperation' 'Change in Awareness' 3 Major Keywords for the Next 30 Years of Korea-China Relations

30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations, Need for New Relationship Framework
Seeking New Cooperation Models in Politics, Economy, Society, and Culture Between the Two Countries

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] ‘Mutual respect,’ ‘multilateral cooperation,’ and ‘change in perception’ are the three key words for the next 30 years of Korea-China relations. As the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations approaches, experts from both Korea and China commonly agree that these conditions are essential for the bilateral relationship to further develop over the next 30 years.

On the 24th, the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations, experts from both countries suggested that Korea and China should seek a new cooperation model going forward.

The Future Development Committee for Korea-China Relations, composed of former high-ranking officials from both countries, current heads of government research institutions, and academic experts, submitted a joint report containing these points to the governments of both countries during an event connecting Seoul and Beijing via video conference on the 24th, the anniversary date.

The report diagnosed that “global challenges such as the deterioration of the Korean Peninsula situation, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and supply chain instability are emerging, the economic cooperation structure between the two countries is shifting to a horizontal and competitive model, and the favorability toward the other country is decreasing among the peoples of both countries, especially the younger generation.”

In this context, the report advised that seeking a new cooperation model holds significant meaning in promoting the future development of Korea-China relations.

The report particularly emphasized improving the multilayered strategic dialogue mechanisms between the two countries to maintain smooth communication channels and activating dialogue mechanisms related to issues such as history and maritime affairs to enhance political mutual trust.

Specifically, it mentioned the necessity of not only summit exchanges but also vice-ministerial level ‘2+2’ dialogues on diplomacy and security, communication and cooperation for supply chain stability, and negotiations on maritime boundary delimitation.

In the military sector, the report proposed strengthening high-level strategic communication, cooperating in non-traditional security areas such as maritime rescue and counterterrorism, and promoting exchanges among young officers.

In the economic and trade sector, it suggested actively pursuing follow-up negotiations on the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for services and investment, contributing to the establishment of digital trade norms through joining the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), and promoting cooperation in new industries such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced industries.

In the socio-cultural sphere, it proposed establishing a year dedicated to Korea-China youth and young adult exchanges and building online and offline cultural exchange platforms.

Furthermore, both countries agreed on the necessity of respecting each other’s systems and cultures while enhancing mutual understanding.

In line with the times, it was also proposed to utilize new technologies such as the metaverse to allow the peoples of both countries to richly experience each other’s cultures and to discover shared cultural assets to develop them into a global cultural industry.

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