Jinpyo Kim "Holding Korea-China-Japan Parliamentary Speakers Meeting"... Lizanshu "Deepening Advanced Technology Cooperation" (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Park Joon-yi] On the 16th, Kim Jin-pyo, Speaker of the National Assembly, met with Li Zhanshu, the third-ranking official of the Chinese Communist Party and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, at the National Assembly to deepen cooperation between the two countries. Speaker Kim proposed the Korea-China-Japan Speakers' Meeting, strategic communication for resolving the North Korean nuclear issue, and the resumption of direct flights, while Chairman Li proposed strengthening the second phase of the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, deepening cooperation in advanced technology, and stable management of supply chains.

After the meeting, Speaker Kim and Chairman Li stated in a joint press release, "they agreed on the need to strengthen coordination to activate exchanges at the summit and high-level levels."

Both sides shared the recognition that the parliaments of the two countries should also contribute to peace and stability in Northeast Asia. In this regard, Speaker Kim proposed holding a Korea-China-Japan Speakers' Meeting, and Chairman Li agreed to seriously consider it. They also plan to communicate with the Japanese side in an appropriate manner as soon as possible.

Additionally, both sides agreed that mutual understanding and friendly sentiments between the peoples of the two countries are essential for the long-term and stable development of bilateral relations, and shared the view that the prompt resumption and expansion of direct flights, including the Incheon-Shanghai route, is necessary. They agreed to re-examine and strengthen communication and cooperation systems for the stable management of supply chains, and to promptly advance follow-up negotiations on the Korea-China FTA to open the cultural and service markets to a higher level.

Discussions were also held regarding historical issues between the two countries. Speaker Kim requested Chairman Li to take an interest and make efforts to ensure that historical issues do not damage friendly cooperation between Korea and China or the friendly feelings between their peoples. He also agreed on the importance of continuing strategic communication between Korea and China for the stable management of the Korean Peninsula situation and the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue.

Chairman Li said, "I had a friendly, frank, and productive meeting with Speaker Kim on bilateral relations and shared interests," adding, "We agreed that strengthening exchanges between the two countries and utilizing dialogue and cooperation systems at all levels and in all fields between the two countries will help enhance mutual understanding and trust."

He continued, "We support strengthening development strategies, enhancing the second phase of the Korea-China FTA negotiations, deepening cooperation in advanced technology, and stably managing supply and production chains to achieve high-quality integrated development."

Chairman Li stated, "We share the recognition that sensitive issues should continue to be appropriately handled in the spirit of respecting each other's core interests and major concerns, and that bilateral relations should be developed and promoted in a healthy and stable manner," adding, "Under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Yoon Suk-yeol, and through the joint efforts of individuals from both countries, a brighter future will come for Korea-China relations."