<기사제목>Deputy Foreign Minister: "Multilayered Communication Between Korea and China Continues... Efforts Underway to Strengthen Cooperation"

After the Korea-US Summit, Results Delivered to China
"Pursuing IPEF Cooperation Alongside Cooperation with China"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Junyi Park] Cho Hyun-dong, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that "strategic and multi-layered communication between our country and China is ongoing," highlighting diplomatic efforts for Korea-China relations.

Vice Minister Cho appeared on YTN's 'Evening News' on the 24th and stated, "Immediately after the Korea-US summit, we detailed the results of the meeting to the Chinese side through diplomatic channels between Seoul and Beijing."

He said, "We also thoroughly explained our position regarding China's concerns," adding, "While China has its own stance and worries, we aim to strengthen cooperation while simultaneously working to dispel those concerns."

In response to a question about the possibility of conflicts with China due to Korea's participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), he reiterated the government's existing position, saying, "A major principle of IPEF is that it does not exclude any specific country."

He continued, "China is our largest trading partner and a partner with whom we must continue to pursue cooperation," and added, "We believe that cooperation within the IPEF framework and cooperation with China will be pursued concurrently."

Regarding follow-up negotiations on the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), he explained, "Due to COVID-19 and other factors, there has been no progress in negotiations since 2020, but follow-up negotiations will be conducted as soon as the situation improves."

About the Korea-US summit held on the 22nd, he evaluated, "We set the direction on how to navigate this era (of economic security) with the United States, our only ally and key partner."

Furthermore, concerning ways to restore Korea-Japan relations, Vice Minister Cho emphasized, "A friendly atmosphere is being continuously created," and stated, "There are many pending issues in Korea-Japan relations, and we will make diplomatic efforts to resolve them."