High-Level Talks Focus on Bilateral Ties and Regional Stability
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on [Date] to discuss advancing bilateral relations across political, economic, and cultural spheres, as well as youth exchanges. The meeting took place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Kim expressed his belief that the meeting would serve as a significant step in strengthening the strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations. He specifically urged China to play a constructive role in fostering conditions conducive to dialogue between North and South Korea, and for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Prime Minister Kim highlighted China’s current positive relationship with North Korea and emphasized the importance of Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping, in facilitating progress on the Korean Peninsula issue. He stated, “It would be beneficial if Chinese leadership, including President Xi, could play a role in the issue of the Korean Peninsula.”
China Expresses Commitment to Enhanced Cooperation
Premier Li Qiang reportedly conveyed his agreement with Prime Minister Kim’s assessment and the necessity of China’s involvement. According to an official from the Prime Minister’s office, Premier Li stated, “The Chinese side is willing to work with the South Korean side to continuously expand the breadth and depth of cooperation, based on the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, by enhancing mutual trust and making sincere efforts.”
Premier Li further emphasized the shared goal of developing the “strategic cooperative partnership” between China and South Korea in a positive and stable manner, contributing to regional prosperity and security.
Addressing ‘Fake News’ and Future Engagements
Both sides also agreed to actively counter ‘fake news’ that could generate negative perceptions among their respective populaces. Prime Minister Kim informed Premier Li that South Korea has extended its visa-free policy for Chinese tourists until the end of December.
Furthermore, the leaders reached a consensus on utilizing the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco in November as another opportunity for high-level exchanges, following their meeting at the APEC summit in Gyeongju last year.
An official from the Prime Minister’s office described the meeting as highly productive, stating that the leaders of the two nations engaged in extensive discussions on key consensus points and substantive matters, significantly enhancing their mutual understanding.
