Governor Kim Dong-yeon Receives Plaque of Appreciation for 'Korea-China Exchange and Cooperation' from Chinese Ambassador

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon (right) is receiving a plaque of appreciation from Xing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to Korea, on the 14th at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office for his contributions to Korea-China exchange and cooperation. Photo by Gyeonggi Provincial Government

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon met with Xing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to Korea, on the 14th to discuss exchange plans between Gyeonggi Province and China in future new industries and future generations, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields including the economy.

On the same day, Governor Kim received a plaque of appreciation from Ambassador Xing Haiming in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations. Governor Kim is the first metropolitan local government head to receive the plaque of appreciation commemorating the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations, awarded by the Chinese Embassy in Korea.

On the morning of the 14th, Governor Kim met with Xing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to Korea, who visited Gyeonggi Provincial Office, saying, "Whether when I was Deputy Prime Minister or Minister, I paid special attention to economic cooperation with China and have maintained deep interest until recently," and added, "Gyeonggi Province is the most important economic supply chain hub in relations with China, and I hope to build an even closer relationship going forward. We will make greater efforts to strengthen cooperation with China in all areas including trade, investment, human exchange, tourism, and sports."

He continued, "Currently, Gyeonggi Province exchanges with eight regions in China, and I hope to broaden the horizon of cooperation between the new Gyeonggi Province and China," explaining, "Gyeonggi Province holds a very special position in South Korea. It is the center of all economies and a hub for new growth industries such as semiconductors, bio, artificial intelligence, big data, and mobility."

Furthermore, he proposed, "If cooperation between Gyeonggi Province and various regions in China is strengthened, better opportunities will be created for the relationship between South Korea and China. If the Ambassador plays a good role, I think we can join forces and achieve many results together."

In response, Ambassador Xing Haiming said, "Governor Kim Dong-yeon has been remembered for his great contributions to the China-Korea economy since long ago when he was Deputy Prime Minister. Even after becoming Governor of Gyeonggi Province, he has continued to show great interest in China, and President Xi Jinping also knows Governor Kim," and added, "I was moved and grateful when he recently came to pay respects to former President Jiang Zemin."

He continued, "As China plans to greatly advance reform and opening up, I think it will be a good opportunity for neighboring countries including South Korea. I hope for active exchanges in the future," he responded.

On the day, the two exchanged opinions on various topics including the global economic situation, future new industry cooperation, future generation exchanges, peace on the Korean Peninsula, carbon neutrality, and cultural content cooperation.

Meanwhile, Governor Kim has maintained ties with China, including giving a lecture on South Korea’s economic policy under the theme of 'Paguipsin (破舊立新, breaking the old and establishing the new)' at the National Development and Reform Commission of China in January 2018.

On the 5th, he visited the memorial altar for the late Jiang Zemin, former President of China, set up at the Chinese Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul, to pay respects. At that time, the two promised to meet again later for a tea meeting.

Ambassador Xing Haiming, who was appointed to Korea in January 2020, participated as a staff officer and interpreter at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the 1992 Korea-China diplomatic negotiations. He is a representative Korea Peninsula expert of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, having spent 16 years of his diplomatic career in South and North Korea.

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