Wang Yi Holds Virtual Meeting with ROK Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong

On February 28, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a virtual meeting with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Chung Eui-yong.

Wang Yi thanked the ROK for actively supporting China in hosting the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, and said that China will support the ROK in hosting the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024. Chung Eui-yong extended congratulations on the successful conclusion of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 and wished the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games a complete success.

Wang Yi said, China and the ROK are close neighbors and inseparable partners. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-ROK diplomatic relations. Both China and the ROK should uphold and review the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations, and jointly plan and chart the course for future development of bilateral ties, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples. China appreciates the ROK government's friendly policy towards China, which is not only in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the ROK, but also conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability. China wishes the ROK a successful general election and hopes that bilateral relations will achieve a smooth transition and keep scaling higher levels.

Wang Yi said, China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges and deepen pragmatic cooperation with the ROK. Efforts should be made to reach a consensus in the second-phase negotiations on China-ROK free trade agreement as soon as possible and create new growth points for economic and trade cooperation. The two sides should endeavor to amass positive energies of China-ROK relations, cement the foundation of popular support for China-ROK relations, and constantly carry forward the fine tradition of friendship, mutual assistance and joint development. The two sides can enhance mutual understanding and friendly feelings between the two peoples by hosting activities marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the China-ROK Year of Cultural Exchanges. We should continue to properly handle sensitive issues to prevent unnecessary disruption and impact on China-ROK relations.

Wang Yi said, China and the ROK share common interests in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. China appreciates the ROK's efforts to promote the peace process of the Peninsula and stands ready to continue to provide assistance within its capacity. The most effective way to prevent the tension on the Peninsula from escalating is to restart the dialogue as soon as possible. The key is that the United States should take sincere actions in solving the legitimate concerns of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. China is willing to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with the ROK on Peninsula affairs.

Chung Eui-yong said, the ROK is willing to work with China to take the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the ROK-China Year of Cultural Exchanges as an opportunity to continue to strengthen high-level exchanges, step up the second-phase negotiations on the bilateral free trade agreement, deepen pragmatic cooperation and expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges. He believes that no matter what the outcome of the ROK's general election is, both sides will further develop future-oriented ROK-China relations. The ROK has always been committed to improving inter-Korean relations and advancing the peace process of the Peninsula, and appreciates and believes that China will continue to play an important and constructive role on the Peninsula issue.

The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and others.