Korea-China Summit: 'Productive Discussions' on Hanwha Ocean Sanctions... 'Hallyu Ban' Also Addressed [Gyeongju APEC]

Chief Secretary Wi Sunglak's Briefing
Possibility of Easing China's Sanctions on Hanwha Ocean
Hallyu Ban Issue: "There Were Constructive Discussions on the Matter"
On North Korea Policy: "Both Leaders Agreed That Dialogue Between North Korea and the U.S. Is Most Important"

President Lee Jaemyung and Chinese President Xi Jinping held productive discussions regarding the sanctions imposed on Hanwha Ocean's subsidiaries by China during their first summit in Gyeongju. The Chinese government has placed five subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean, a key company in the Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation project 'MASGA' (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again), on its sanctions list.

Yonhap News Agency

Chief Secretary Wi stated this at a briefing held at the Gyeongju International Media Center (IMC) immediately after the Korea-China summit on November 1. He explained, "The issue of sanctions on Hanwha Ocean's subsidiaries is also related to the U.S.-China trade dispute," and added, "If the issues between the U.S. and China are resolved, there is hope for productive progress regarding the sanctions on Hanwha Ocean's subsidiaries as well." This suggests that there is a possibility of China easing its sanctions on Hanwha Ocean.

Other major issues between Korea and China, such as the West Sea structure issue and China's 'Hallyu ban' (restrictions on Korean cultural content), were also discussed at the summit. Chief Secretary Wi said, "There were constructive discussions on these matters," and added, "There was a consensus to try to resolve these issues through working-level consultations." Regarding the Hallyu ban, he explained that both sides agreed to make efforts to promote cultural exchange and cooperation, including collaboration in content. He further stated, "Although there are domestic legal regulations that must be considered and the discussions were not perfect, progress was made," and added, "We will be able to coordinate further through practical communication going forward."

Regarding North Korea policy, the leaders of Korea and China agreed that dialogue between North Korea and the United States is of utmost importance and decided to work together to create a favorable atmosphere. Chief Secretary Wi said, "China expressed its willingness to cooperate for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," but clarified, "However, there was no specific discussion on what role China would play in resuming dialogue with North Korea."

When asked whether the issue of constructing a nuclear-powered submarine, which President Lee raised as an agenda item at the Korea-U.S. summit, was discussed, Chief Secretary Wi replied, "The two leaders exchanged a wide range of opinions on various current issues during this summit," and added, "It was significant in strengthening political trust, and in that context, I can only say that various security issues were discussed."