Xi Jinping, "Korea and China Are Partners in the Same Boat"

Phone Call with President Moon... Emphasis on Cooperation
Blue House "Continued Communication Including Xi Jinping's Visit to Korea"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin, Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that China and Korea are important cooperation partners during a phone call with President Moon Jae-in.

This call took place ahead of President Moon’s phone conversation following the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden. Amid Biden’s announcement of a strategy to pressure China through alliances, analysts interpret this as China’s active effort to embrace Korea.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to China’s state-run People’s Daily on the 27th, President Xi said during the call with President Moon the previous afternoon, "China and Korea are partners in the same boat," and urged to "continuously expand win-win cooperation and promote the development of both countries."

President Xi reiterated the importance of economic cooperation between the two countries, stating, "Last year, the two countries confirmed their complementarity and potential. We must promptly complete the second phase of the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), swiftly implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and promote the establishment of the Korea-China-Japan Free Trade Zone."

President Xi also highlighted the significance of the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations, saying, "The bilateral relationship is facing new opportunities for deepened development." The People’s Daily reported that President Moon told President Xi, "China is the only country that has succeeded in fighting the epidemic and achieved positive economic growth."

The People’s Daily added that President Moon also told President Xi, "Korea will maintain close exchanges with China and continue to promote cooperation in various fields such as economy, culture, and epidemic control."

Meanwhile, the Blue House conveyed in a briefing the previous day that the two leaders agreed to "continue close communication and cooperation to revitalize high-level exchanges, including President Xi’s visit to Korea."

It was also added that President Moon requested China’s constructive role in resolving issues on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue, and President Xi expressed support for "South-North and North Korea-U.S. dialogues."