People's Daily Front Page Reports on Xi Jinping-Moon Jae-in Phone Call Details

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Sunmi Park] On the 14th, the Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper, People's Daily, reported on the front page under the headline "Xi Jinping and South Korean President Moon Jae-in had a phone call," covering the phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Moon Jae-in that took place the previous night.

President Xi said, "During the joint response to COVID-19, China and South Korea have consistently helped each other. We have supported and assisted each other as if on the same boat in stormy weather." He explained, "The two countries set an example of cooperation by establishing the first COVID-19 prevention alliance system and opening a 'fast channel.' The opening of the fast channel has ensured the smooth operation of industrial chains, supply chains, and logistics chains." He praised, "Both countries are still effectively implementing COVID-19 prevention measures. The cooperation has been effective."

President Xi also conveyed China's request to cooperate with South Korea in developing COVID-19 treatments and vaccines and to support the role of the World Health Organization (WHO). He added, "South Korea and China are good neighbors who cannot be forcibly separated. Good neighbors are worth more than gold. I highly value developing China-South Korea relations and hope to strengthen strategic exchanges with South Korea. I wish to elevate China-South Korea relations to a higher level."

The newspaper reported that President Moon also highly evaluated the effectiveness of the two countries' COVID-19 response and conveyed his wishes for the successful holding of the upcoming Chinese Two Sessions. Furthermore, it was reported that the two countries demonstrated exemplary cooperation to the world through the implementation of the 'fast channel,' and that South Korea hopes to continue communication and develop relations with China.

However, the People's Daily report did not include any mention of the two countries promoting President Xi's visit to South Korea. Although President Moon reportedly said during the call with President Xi that "President Xi's visit to South Korea is of utmost importance for China-South Korea relations," state media such as People's Daily and Xinhua News Agency did not report any discussions between the two countries regarding President Xi's visit schedule.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the People's Daily also reported on page 3 a separate article about a phone call between Wei Fenghe, China's Minister of National Defense, and Jeong Kyeong-doo, South Korea's Minister of National Defense, held the previous day. Minister Wei said, "China positively evaluates South Korea's achievements in COVID-19 prevention," and added, "The militaries of the two countries should maintain communication and promote practical cooperation for regional peace and stability." In response, Minister Jeong said, "South Korea also highly appreciates China's efforts and achievements in responding to COVID-19, and we will strengthen communication and closely cooperate with China to jointly respond to COVID-19. Let us promote the continuous development of military relations between the two countries."