Yoon Meets Li Zhanshu, Says "THAAD Should Not Become an Obstacle Through Close Korea-China Communication" (Comprehensive)

Yoon "Expecting Expansion of Mutual Benefits... Xi Jinping's Visit to Korea Will Open a New 30 Years"
Li Zhanshu "Need for Close Communication... Support for Korea's Expanded Role in the International Community, Willingness to Cooperate"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 16th, President Yoon Suk-yeol met with Li Zhanshu, the 3rd highest-ranking official in China and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, and stated, "Both sides must ensure through close communication that the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system does not become an obstacle in Korea-China relations."

The presidential office reported that President Yoon met with Chairman Li, who is visiting Korea, for about 1 hour and 10 minutes in the afternoon and exchanged views on ways to develop Korea-China relations, making the remarks.

Regarding the THAAD issue, when President Yoon emphasized close communication between Korea and China, Chairman Li expressed agreement, saying, "There is a need for close communication on sensitive mutual issues."

In his greeting, President Yoon expressed condolences, saying, "I offer my sincere condolences to those affected by the recent earthquake in Sichuan Province and hope for a swift recovery of stability."

He then mentioned the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations this year, stating, "I look forward to Chairman Li's role and interest in further developing the relationship between Korea and China. I hope the two countries will expand their common interests and deepen the friendship and trust of their peoples."

Chairman Li also greeted, "Thank you for taking the precious time to meet me and my delegation," and conveyed President Xi Jinping's congratulatory message, evaluating that "Over the past 30 years, under the joint efforts of the leaders of both countries, China-Korea relations have developed comprehensively with the times. This has already brought great benefits to both countries and their peoples and played an important role in regional and global peace and development."

Right after the formal meeting began, President Yoon emphasized, "I hope that the Korea-China relationship, which has grown dramatically in quantitative terms, will also develop qualitatively over the next 30 years based on mutual respect and the spirit of reciprocity." He added, "In this regard, President Xi Jinping's visit to Korea will be an important opportunity to open a new 30 years of Korea-China relations."

Chairman Li responded, "I will accurately report President Yoon's invitation to President Xi," and said, "We also look forward to President Yoon visiting China at a convenient time."

President Yoon then emphasized the new government's determination, saying, "We will steadfastly pursue the 'Bold Initiative' for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia." Chairman Li replied, "We understand the Korean government's initiative well and will report it properly to President Xi."

Furthermore, President Yoon urged, "We must strengthen exchanges and communication between Korea and China to build mutual friendly sentiments," and Chairman Li responded, "I agree on the necessity to strengthen various human exchanges, and China will cooperate closely."

Chairman Li particularly conveyed, "We support the Korean government's vision as a global pivotal state to expand its role in the international community and are willing to cooperate together." President Yoon responded, "There are many areas for cooperation between Korea and China in the region and the international community."

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