Xi Jinping: "Realizing Denuclearization Aligns with Public Interest... Highly Praises President Moon" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Chinese President Xi Jinping, who had a New Year's greeting call with President Moon Jae-in on the 26th, highly praised President Moon and expressed his active support, saying, "The realization of denuclearization is in line with the public interest."

A senior Blue House official revealed on the 27th that President Xi made such remarks during the call with President Moon.

The two leaders spoke for 40 minutes from 9 p.m. the previous day, emphasizing bilateral exchange and cooperation ahead of the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations, and also discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula. When President Moon requested China's constructive role in resolving issues through dialogue, President Xi responded, "I support inter-Korean and North Korea-U.S. dialogues."

President Xi said, "The realization of denuclearization aligns with the public interest," adding, "China highly evaluates President Moon and actively supports him." When President Moon proposed, "Let's cooperate to promptly hold the Korea-China-Japan summit," President Xi also replied, "I support holding the China-Korea-Japan summit and will strengthen cooperation to promote its early convening."

Climate change issues were also discussed. President Moon requested President Xi's attendance at the P4G (Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030) meeting to be held in Seoul in May, and President Xi mentioned China's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, stating, "I will seriously consider it." President Moon also proposed raising the level of cooperation between the two countries regarding fine dust and air pollution.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding COVID-19, both sides highly evaluated each other's measures and emphasized cooperation. When President Moon assessed that "bilateral quarantine cooperation has been well carried out," President Xi also evaluated, "The measures taken by both countries were strong and effective," and expressed hope that vaccination would play an important role in global quarantine. President Xi also said, "China and South Korea have succeeded in quarantine so far and have guaranteed entry through the use of fast-track channels," adding, "South Korea is the country with the most regular flights to China, and once COVID-19 is controlled, we will meet exchange demand by increasing flights." He also expressed support for President Moon's proposal of a 'quarantine and health cooperation body' and stated that they will build a human health community.

Discussions also took place regarding multilateral organizations such as the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). President Xi requested the prompt conclusion of the second phase of the Korea-China FTA negotiations, and President Moon said, "I am pleased that exchanges and cooperation in the economic and trade sectors between the two countries are being revitalized," adding, "I expect an agreement at a higher level compared to the original Korea-China FTA." President Xi also said, "I believe we can communicate with South Korea regarding accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)," to which President Moon responded, "We are actively considering joining the CPTPP."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the purpose of the call that day, a senior Blue House official said, "This call was made as a New Year's greeting," adding, "The two leaders sent a message that the 2021-2022 Korea-China Cultural Exchange Year must be successful. Practical consultations have been ongoing since last year, which led to the establishment of exchanges." Regarding the CPTPP mentioned by President Xi, the official explained, "It was mentioned in the context of a multilateral solution, meaning that Korea and China can consider joining," he said.

In response to criticism that a call with President Biden has not yet taken place, the official explained, "This has been prepared since before the Biden administration took office," adding, "This call was for New Year's greetings, and the call with President Biden will be a congratulatory call," clarifying that the nature of the calls is different.