Launch of Korea-China Future Development Committee, Jeong Eui-yong and Wang Yi Say "Korea and China Are Important Neighbors"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and China next year, the 'Korea-China Future Development Committee' presenting a desirable future vision for bilateral relations officially launched on the 24th. A large number of current and former high-ranking officials and experts from both countries participated.

They held the inaugural ceremony combined with the 1st plenary meeting in an online and offline format on the morning of the same day at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, and began their activities.

This committee, a 'half-government, half-civilian' 1.5-track consultative body, includes 36 experts in total, with 18 from each side specializing in diplomacy, legislation, and academia.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong, in a video congratulatory message, said, “Korea and China are the closest and most important neighbors,” and evaluated that “the two countries have maintained swift channel openings, launched the Northeast Asia Disease Control and Prevention Cooperation Mechanism, and facilitated smooth economic exchanges even amid the COVID-19 situation.”

He added, “Korea and China have actively cooperated as key partners on the journey toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a permanent peace policy,” emphasizing, “Going forward, the two countries will closely cooperate for the advancement of the Korean Peninsula peace process and, furthermore, for peace and stability in Northeast Asia.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, also stated in a video congratulatory speech, “Korea and China are important neighbors and cooperative partners,” and said, “Over the 29 years since establishing diplomatic relations, Korea-China relations have rapidly developed, benefiting the peoples of both countries and greatly contributing to regional and global peace and development.”

He continued, “Strengthening friendly cooperation between Korea and China amid complex international circumstances aligns with the times, public sentiment, and the fundamental interests of both countries,” adding, “The Korea-China Future Development Committee has been launched to meet the demands of the era.”

Meanwhile, at the inauguration ceremony, Korean side attendees included Im Chae-jung, former Speaker of the National Assembly and committee chairman, and Hong Hyun-ik, President of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy and executive chairman. On the Chinese side, attendees included Zhang Ping, former Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress and committee chairman, and Wang Chao, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and executive chairman.

During the plenary meeting held alongside the inauguration, committee members from both sides in the subcommittees on future planning, political diplomacy, economic trade, and socio-cultural affairs exchanged opinions on the committee’s operational direction for the coming year.

Based on the discussions by each subcommittee, the committee plans to prepare a roadmap for the development of bilateral relations over the next 30 years and propose it to both governments before the 40th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations (August 24 next year).