Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung in Beijing on Monday.
Xi said he and President Lee have met twice and conducted reciprocal visits, reflecting the importance both sides attach to China-ROK relations. As both friends and neighbors, China and the ROK should increase exchanges and maintain frequent communication, according to Xinhua News Agency.
China has consistently placed relations with the ROK high on its regional diplomatic agenda and maintained continuity and stability in its policy toward the ROK, Xi said, adding that China is willing to work with the ROK to firmly uphold the direction of friendly cooperation, adhere to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, promote bilateral strategic partnership along a healthy path, effectively enhance the well-being of both peoples, and contribute positively to regional and global peace and development.
China and ROK should join hands to safeguard the fruits of the victory in World War II and protect peace and stability in Northeast Asia, Xi said on Monday.
More than 80 years ago, the two peoples made tremendous national sacrifices and won the victory against Japanese militarism, Xi said when holding talks with ROK President Lee in Beijing.
China and the ROK shoulder important responsibilities in maintaining regional peace and promoting global development, and share a wide range of common interests, Xi said, noting that the two countries should firmly stand on the right side of history and make the right strategic choices.
Lee extended his New Year wishes to the Chinese people. He stated that South Korea and China are close neighbors, and their relationship has a long history. Both countries once fought together against Japanese militarist aggression, and South Korea appreciates China’s protection of historical sites related to Korea’s independence movement in China, according to Xinhua.
Lee said South Korea attaches great importance to its relationship with China and, with the first summit diplomacy of the New Year as an opportunity, is willing to consolidate the momentum of the comprehensive recovery and development of China-South Korean relations, seeking common ground while reserving differences, deepening strategic cooperative partnership, and opening up a new chapter in bilateral relations. South Korea respects China’s core interests and major concerns and adheres to the one-China stance, per Xinhua.
Xi and Lee witnessed the signing of 15 cooperation documents in fields including scientific and technological innovation, ecological environment, transportation, and economic and trade cooperation after their talks on Monday, according to Xinhua.
Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a welcoming banquet for Lee and his wife in the Great Hall of the People, per Xinhua.
Lee posted on X on Monday, saying that a selfie with the Chinese President and his wife “taken with Xiaomi I received as a gift in Gyeongju.. Thanks to that, I managed to get the perfect life shot … The closer we meet, the more the Korea-China relations ease up. We will communicate more often and cooperate even more in the future.”