Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Sustaining Communication with China as the Foundation of the ROK-US Alliance"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 22nd that "under the stance of harmonious development of the Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership based on the Korea-US alliance, we will continue communication with China."

On the same day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in the materials submitted to the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee titled 'Report on Attendance at the G7 Summit and State Visits to Austria and Spain' that "considering the outcomes of the G7, we will manage Korea-China relations stably."

This is interpreted as a response to China's strong opposition after issues such as the Taiwan matter were raised in the joint statement of the G7 summit held in Cornwall, UK, which concluded on the 13th.

Regarding follow-up management of the main agenda and outcomes of this G7 summit, the Ministry announced plans to proceed with ▲preparations for vaccine contributions to developing countries ▲formulation of improved Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) for carbon emission reductions ▲follow-up consultations for concrete implementation of the vaccine hub initiative.

To continue efforts to advance the Korean Peninsula peace process, they will maintain stable management of the situation on the Korean Peninsula and resume diplomatic engagement with North Korea through continued communication and cooperation with major countries worldwide, and will continuously strengthen the New Southern Policy as a sustainable regional strategy.

They also decided to promote comprehensive cooperation befitting a 'strategic partnership' with Austria, Spain, and others.