Fang Kun, deputy chief of mission at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, reads a congratulatory speech by Ambassador Xing Haiming at a forum hosted by the Institute for Global Strategy and Cooperation in Seoul on Nov. 27, 2023. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — China’s top envoy to South Korea said Monday that Beijing will seek to advance ties with both South Korea and the United States, calling it an “obligation” to tackle global challenges.
The remarks by Xing Haiming came a day after the top diplomats of South Korea, China and Japan held tripartite talks, the first such meeting in around four years, and agreed to accelerate preparations to resume the long-stalled summit among their leaders.
“China and South Korea are inseparable neighbors and cooperative partners in a win-win relationship where both sides benefit and the benefits integrate together,” Xing said in a speech read by Fang Kun, deputy chief of mission at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, at a forum hosted by the Institute for Global Strategy and Cooperation.
He added that South Korea and China “must develop well” their ties, given the economic interdependence and geopolitical bond, saying it is “not a matter of choice.”
China has become South Korea’s largest trading partner, overtaking the United States.
China will seek to strengthen communication and cooperation with South Korea so that the two countries can constantly reach “new developments” while “excluding interference,” he said.
Xing also stressed the importance of deepening ties with the United States, saying that the success of Beijing and Washington is an opportunity for each other.
“The two sides should strengthen their solidarity and cooperation to tackle global challenges together,” he said. “This is not only an obligation for China and the U.S., but an obligation for all countries, including China and South Korea.”
(Yonhap)
