Yoon "Cooperation for Mutual Respect" · Xi Jinping "True Multilateralism" (Comprehensive Report 2)

South Korea-China Summit in Bali, Indonesia
President Yoon: "Expect Cooperation on Korean Peninsula Peace, Climate Change, Energy, and Other Issues"
Xi Jinping Expresses Condolences Again Despite Itaewon Tragedy
Yoon: "Rising North Korean Nuclear and Missile Threats... Expect Constructive Role from China"
Xi Jinping: "'Bold Initiative' Depends on North Korea's Intent... Will Actively Support and Cooperate if Responded"
Xi Jinping Proposes "Establishing 1.5-Track Dialogue System Between Korea and China"
South Korea-China Leaders: "Expedite Phase 2 FTA Negotiations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Bali, Indonesia = Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol, who visited Bali, Indonesia to attend the G20 Summit, emphasized close communication between South Korea and China on the 15th (local time), stating, "We will cooperate for a mature Korea-China relationship based on mutual respect."

President Yoon made these remarks during the joint statement at the Korea-China summit held in Bali, Indonesia that afternoon with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

President Yoon said, "President Xi and I agreed during our phone call in March and the exchange of congratulatory letters on the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations in August to open a new era of Korea-China cooperation," adding, "Based on this consensus, our government will cooperate for a mature Korea-China relationship based on mutual respect and reciprocity while maintaining close communication with China."

Regarding international issues, he also mentioned China's role in the importance of universal values such as freedom, peace, and prosperity. President Yoon said, "In this regard, we hope to cooperate on global issues including economic and human exchanges, peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as climate change and energy," emphasizing, "Our government's diplomatic goal is to pursue and contribute to freedom, peace, and prosperity in East Asia and the international community. The means and methods are based on universal values and international norms."

He further urged, "China's role is very important in pursuing freedom, peace, and prosperity in the international community. South Korea must maintain close communication and cooperate with China. This aligns with the mutual interests of both countries."

President Xi, who spoke first, said, "As the world enters a new period of turbulent transformation and the international community faces unprecedented challenges, (the two countries) are inseparable close neighbors and indispensable partners," adding, "We have important responsibilities to maintain regional peace and promote global prosperity, and there are broad shared interests."

He continued, "China hopes to maintain and develop China-Korea relations together with the Korean side, strengthen communication and cooperation on multilateral platforms such as the G20, and jointly create genuine multilateralism to provide more positive energy and stability to the world." The 'genuine multilateralism' mentioned by President Xi is interpreted as a criticism of the US-led international order system and its strategy to contain China.

President Xi also mentioned, "Since your election in March, we have communicated several times through phone calls and letters, which shows how much we value China-Korea relations." He also expressed condolences regarding the recent Itaewon tragedy, saying, "Once again, I express my condolences and sincere sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured."

The two leaders discussed North Korea's unprecedented provocations and peace on the Korean Peninsula during the summit. President Yoon urged President Xi to play a responsible role. He said, "Recently, North Korea has continued provocations at an unprecedented frequency, escalating nuclear and missile threats," adding, "As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a neighboring country, we expect China to play a more active and constructive role."

President Xi stated that China and South Korea share common interests regarding the Korean Peninsula issue, must protect peace, and hopes South Korea will actively improve inter-Korean relations. He emphasized, "The key is North Korea's willingness regarding our bold initiative," adding, "If North Korea responds positively, we will actively support and cooperate to ensure the successful implementation of the bold initiative."

The two leaders agreed, "To overcome complex challenges such as the pandemic, global economic recession, and climate change together, we will actively promote regular high-level dialogues between Korea and China." The presidential office explained, "They also agreed to promptly conclude the second phase of the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations." President Xi expressed agreement on revitalizing high-level dialogues and proposed establishing a 1.5-track dialogue system between Korea and China to expand communication and build political trust between the two countries.

President Yoon shared the recognition that private exchanges are important with President Xi. He said, "Especially, expanding exchanges among the younger generation to deeply understand each other's history and culture is important." In response, President Xi said, "We have an open attitude toward people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the Korean and Chinese peoples, and we will strive to ensure exchanges and communication occur in various fields."

President Xi also said, "Although I have not been able to visit South Korea due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I will gladly accept President Yoon's invitation to visit South Korea once the COVID-19 situation stabilizes to some extent," expressing hope that "President Yoon will visit China at a mutually convenient time."

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