Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Yu Myung-hwan visited China from March 20 to 22 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. It was the first trip abroad since Minister Yu took office in late February. During the visit, Minister Yu had bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi and met with the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, the State Councilor Dai Bingguo and the Head of International Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party Wang Jiarui respectively. Extensive discussions took place with major focus on the development of Korea-China relationship under the new administration of Korea and on other major issues including the North Korean nuclear issue, regional situation and bilateral cooperation on the global stage.

Korea-China Relationship

During the discussions, both sides noted the rapid progress of bilateral relationship between Korea and China within a short period of 16 years since their establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. Particularly during the bilateral Foreign Ministerial Meeting on March 21, Minister Yang mentioned that Minister Yu's visit to China on his first trip abroad shows Lee administration's willingness to promote the 'Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership' with China. Minister Yu said that the Korean government puts great importance on its bilateral relationship with China and plans to further develop cooperative ties with the latter.

Both sides shared the view on the importance of exchange of high-level officials. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, receiving a courtesy call of Minister Yu on March 20, expressed his hope for President Lee Myung-bak's visit to China at the earliest date possible, and further stated that a visit to Korea by Chinese high-level officials is under consideration. 

In addition, both sides shared the understanding on the need to increase cultural and youth exchanges to expand the base of Korea-China relations for the future. Foreign Ministers of both countries also agreed to consider a temporary visa waiver and multiple-entry visas for Koreans traveling to China during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Bilateral Economic Cooperation

Premier Wen expressed his hopes to promote bilateral cooperation in areas of high technology, logistics, finance and tourism, and to start the Korea-China free trade agreement(FTA) negotiations at the opportune time. Minister Yu welcomed the proposal to expand economic cooperation, and stated that Korea has a vast interest in working with China in the areas of information, communication, as well as nuclear energy. 


Concerted efforts to deal with North Korean nuclear issue

Both sides noted the bilateral cooperation between Korea and China at the Six Party Talks to find a resolution to the North Korea’s nuclear problem. At the luncheon on March 20, Mr. Wang Jiarui, the Head of International Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party,  valued the close cooperation between the two countries at the Six Party Talks to find a resolution to the North Korea’s nuclear problem. Minister Yu stated that the Chinese government has played an active role as a chair of the Six Party Talks, and that it is important to maintain the momentum for a peaceful resolution to North Korea’s nuclear issue.