INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared Chinas policy towards South Korea on Friday, mentioning that no matter how the domestic scenario
in the Republic of Korea (ROK) changes, China will always adhere to the concepts of good-neighborliness and relationship between the 2
countries.Wang, likewise a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met Cho Tae-yul, minister of
foreign affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK), in Tokyo ahead of the 11th China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers Meeting, which is
set up for Saturday.Wang emphasized that China and the ROK are inseparable neighbors and partners
He expressed hope that the ROK would support the original objective of developing diplomatic ties, pursue a favorable and friendly policy
towards China, and team up with China to guide the China-ROK tactical cooperative partnership in the right direction, contributing to
regional and global peace and prosperity.Wang likewise presented the economic and social advancement objectives set at Chinas Two Sessions
this year, highlighting that Chinas economy continues to experience strong development and durability, which will provide new opportunities
for countries, consisting of the ROK, through high-quality development.Noting that both the ROK and China will host the APEC Economic
Leaders Meeting in the coming years, Wang stated both sides should carry out the agreement reached by their leaders and support each other
in hosting the events.This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-ROK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Wang mentioned, including that the
two nations need to expedite negotiations on the second phase of the FTA and work towards reaching an agreement as soon as possible.Both
China and the ROK are strong advocates for free trade, Wang mentioned, emphasizing that in the face of unilateralism and coercive actions,
the two countries need to jointly oppose decoupling and work to keep the stability and smooth operation of the worldwide supply chain and
commercial chain.For his part, Cho praised China on the effective conclusion of the annual sessions of its leading legislature and political
advisory body, wishing China continued success in its modernization efforts.Cho emphasized that the ROK places terrific importance on
bilateral cooperation and values the existing momentum of enhancement and development in China-ROK relations
He kept in mind that the ROK aspires to use the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting and other opportunities to enhance high-level exchanges and
cooperation, expand exchanges in locations such as city governments, parliaments, youth and culture, and enhance friendly relations between
the two peoples.In light of the turbulent and unsteady global scenario, Cho added that the ROK is dedicated to strengthening interaction and
coordination with China to collectively secure regional peace and stability.The 2 sides likewise exchanged views on China-Japan-ROK
cooperation, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and other concerns of shared issue.(With input from Xinhua)
