Cho Tae-yong: "I will try to make Xi Jinping's visit to Korea happen"

President Yoon and Premier Li Chang's Meeting "Clear Intent to Develop Relations"
North Korea Issue "Exchanged Views but Agreed Not to Discuss Beyond Official Statement"

Cho Tae-yong, Director of the National Security Office, stated on the 11th that regarding the possibility of Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting Korea, "We will diplomatically work to make the visit happen." He particularly emphasized the meeting between President Yoon Suk-yeol and Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the recent ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) tour, saying, "China's intention to develop relations with us was very clear."

Director Cho appeared on a broadcast that afternoon and said, "President Xi told our president at the G20 summit held last year in Bali, Indonesia, 'I would gladly visit Korea once the COVID-19 situation stabilizes,'" making these remarks. He especially noted, "There is a high possibility that the Korea-Japan-China summit will take place first," adding, "(President Xi's visit to Korea) may or may not happen this year, but you can look forward to it." He also highlighted the significance of holding the summit, saying, "This (Korea-Japan-China summit) has not been held for 4 or 5 years."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, regarding North Korea, he avoided specific comments, stating, "There were many discussions about North Korea's nuclear program, and I would describe it as 'a deep exchange of opinions.'" Director Cho explained, "The Chinese side made a special request that we not discuss these issues beyond what they have officially announced."

Regarding the outcomes of President Yoon's tours to Indonesia and India, he evaluated, "He conducted diplomacy based on mutual respect and national interest," and said, "Mutual respect is important in Korea-China relations." Furthermore, he said, "President Yoon held bilateral meetings with leaders of 50 countries during the NATO summit, G7 summit, and Pacific Island countries summit," adding, "At an incredible pace, he is making an all-out effort purely for the Busan Expo."

Additionally, Director Cho responded to the controversy surrounding Japan's Fukushima contaminated water discharge by saying, "From the standpoint of the Republic of Korea, one of the world's top 10 economies, I believe the response should be centered on science."

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