Outcome of the Korea-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan, who is visiting Bali, Indonesia, July 21-24 for this year’s ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum) and other ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, met with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi on July 21. In the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on matters of mutual concern, including the current situation on the Korean peninsula as well as ways to develop the bilateral strategic and cooperative partnership and to work together on the international stage. The two sides noted with satisfaction steady strides in the Korea-China strategic and cooperative partnership across the board, as can be seen by a recent visit to China by the Korean Minister of National Defense and the meeting of the Korea-China regular parliamentary exchange mechanism; and agreed to make joint efforts to upgrade the bilateral relationship into a more mature one on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2012. The two sides agreed to further boost high-level exchanges. While the Chinese delegation reiterated willingness to invite President Lee Myung-bak to visit China at an early date, the Korean side conveyed hope for a bilateral visit to Korea by President Hu Jintao on the occasion of the Nuclear Security Summit in Korea next year as well as visits by such high-ranking officials as Vice Premiers Li Keqiang and Wang Qishan this year. Offering appreciation to the Chinese side for its invitation of President Lee to the country, Minister Kim invited his counterpart Yang to make a second visit to Korea in the second half of this year to consolidate the annual exchange of visits by the Korean and Chinese Foreign Ministers. The two sides agreed to hold the 4th Korea-China High-Level Strategic Dialogue in 2011 at an early date. The two sides agreed to accelerate preparations for the commemorative events for the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2012 by putting practical work in full gear. Announcing its decision to open a consulate general on Jeju Island as agreed between President Lee Myung-bak and Premier Wen Jiabao last May, the Chinese side asked for Korea’s support in this regard, while pledging as much cooperation as possible for an early establishment of a Korean consulate general in Dalian. After the Chinese side explained in detail the recent oil spill accident at Bohai Bay, the two sides agreed to share information on such maritime accidents as oil leaks and render strong support to disaster prevention efforts. The two delegations exchanged a wide range of views on the overall situation on the Korean peninsula, including the current inter-Korean relations and North Korean nuclear issue. The Korean side voiced hope that North Korea will engage in inter-Korean talks on denuclearization and other issues with a sincere attitude. Expressing an understanding of Korea’s stance, the Chinese side showed support for the principle prioritizing inter-Korean dialogue and expectation for progress in inter-Korean relations through dialogue between the two Koreas. The two delegations agreed to maintain close communication with respect to the denuclearization of North Korea, inter-Korean dialogue and other issues related to the Korean peninsula. The Korean side extended gratitude to China for its strong support in the process that led to the reelection of Ban Ki-moon as UN Secretary-General, while requesting its support for Korea’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2013-14 term. The fifth meeting between Foreign Ministers Kim and Yang as well as frequent meetings between high-level officials of Korea and China is expected to contribute positively to the development of the bilateral strategic and cooperative partnership.