King Jung meets Lee Hae-jan in Beijing, "Korea and China, Born Partners"

Wang, Director of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (also serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs), met with former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan in Beijing. The two discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula and expressed their intention to work together for the development of China-Korea relations.

Former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan is attending the '70th Anniversary Commemoration of the Announcement of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence' held on the 28th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. 2024.6.28 [Beijing Correspondents Joint Coverage Team] [Image Source=Yonhap News]

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on the 30th, Director Wang met with former Prime Minister Lee, who visited Beijing the previous day to attend the "70th Anniversary Commemoration of the Announcement of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence." Wang said, "South Korea is a close neighbor of China, and the two sides are natural partners," adding, "China hopes to work with South Korea to promote the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-Korea relations."

He also added, "Friends from all walks of Korean society should continue to play an important role in this, leading the establishment of a correct perception of China in Korean society and strengthening the ties and friendship between the peoples of China and South Korea."

Director Wang specifically mentioned the recent accident at a battery factory in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, saying, "Many Chinese nationals were casualties, and China is paying close attention to this." He stated, "South Korea should promptly identify the cause of the accident and handle it responsibly. Measures must be taken to prevent similar tragedies from happening again."

Former Prime Minister Lee said, "China has consistently adhered to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and has strived for the peaceful resolution of various disputes, leading and safeguarding peace and stability in the Asian region." According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he added, "China's inclusive and universally beneficial attitude is extremely important in today's world." He also said, "Various sectors in South Korea value China-Korea relations and hope to continue strengthening exchanges at multiple levels with China to lead the continuous advancement and development of bilateral relations."

Regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech on the "70th Anniversary of the Announcement of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence" on the 28th, former Prime Minister Lee said, "I listened very seriously and respectfully and was deeply moved," according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the two exchanged views on common interests such as the situation on the Korean Peninsula but did not disclose specific details of their discussions.