Kim Ki-hyun "Xi Jinping has long wished to visit Korea"
Xing Haiming "Korea's efforts likely to yield results"
Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, met with Xing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to Korea, on the 28th and mentioned holding a trilateral summit among South Korea, China, and Japan.
During the meeting with Ambassador Xing, who visited the party leader's office in the National Assembly main building to congratulate him on his inauguration, Kim said, "Over the more than 30 years since establishing diplomatic relations, South Korea and China have developed remarkably," adding, "I hope the Korea-China relationship will leap forward even more in the future."
He continued, "There has long been a hope that President Xi Jinping would visit South Korea once," and said, "As the President and Xi had a good rapport, I understand that President Xi mentioned visiting South Korea at an appropriate time once COVID-19 stabilizes. I hope it happens soon and smoothly."
Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, is greeting Xing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to Korea, who visited the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 28th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
Kim also said, "Since 2008, South Korea, China, and Japan have alternated as chair countries to hold summits, but they have been suspended since the last one held in China in 2019," adding, "I hope the trilateral summit among South Korea, China, and Japan can be held again."
He expressed, "Recently, President Yoon Suk-yeol visited Japan and restored shuttle diplomacy, reflecting hopes that relations among the three East Asian countries will become smoother. In particular, I hope relations with China become more active, diplomatic doors open wide, and that there will be close cooperation not only in economy and trade but also on all issues."
Regarding North Korea, Kim said, "I have a high regard for the significant role China has played so far, but as North Korea continues provocations recently, regional instability persists. I ask China to play a constructive role in encouraging North Korea to come to denuclearization talks for regional peace, stability, and prosperity."
Ambassador Xing said, "Although 30 years have passed, the spirit of diplomatic relations remains vivid," adding, "The two countries' leaders have declared that we are inseparable neighbors and eternal cooperation partners, so we will continue to make efforts." He further said, "The Chinese Communist Party exchanges with various parties in Korea, but we want to engage with the ruling party, the People Power Party," emphasizing, "I hope the two parties will lead well and greatly contribute to bilateral relations."
Ambassador Xing also said, "China has consistently expressed support for the trilateral summit among South Korea, China, and Japan. South Korea is making great efforts now, and we expect results and will cooperate well with Korea."
Regarding the Korean Peninsula issue, Ambassador Xing expressed regret, saying, "It is unfortunate," and added, "It is becoming a strong-against-strong situation, which I hope will not continue." He cited the example of reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran mediated by China and said, "The Korean Peninsula is close to China, so we hope for reconciliation and a positive direction in the future. We intend to continue cooperating."
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