Beijing, Seoul vow to develop partnership on North Korea and economic issues

BEIJING – At their third summit since Moon Jae-in took office, the Korean President and Cinese leader Xi Jinping have agreed on a new set of four principles aimed at securing peace and security on the Korean peninsula. 

The four principles include “Don’t allow any war on the peninsula”, “Stick to a stance on denuclearisation on the region”, “Address any North Korean issues, such as denuclearisation, in a peaceful manner by means of dialogue and negotiations”, and, lastly, “Improved inter-Korea ties would help to solve issues on the peninsula”, according to a report by Korea’s State newsagency. 

It said Moon and Xi also vowed to develop bilateral co-operation, which has been centred on the economy, trade and social, cultural and human-to-human exchanges, into one that covers politics, diplomacy, security and interparty cooperation. They agreed to increase strategic dialogue at the Presidential level and, also, at the senior Cabinet member level. 

Among other items discussed were a resumption of joint projects that had been cut short, such as establishing an industrial complex and raising investment funds, and expansion of investment among enterprises in both countries, the report said. 

“They talked about measures to improve co-operation on such areas as the environment, healthcare, education, science and renewable energy, enhance cooperation among local governments and, finally, how to carry out future-oriented projects in such fields as big data, AI, fifth generation mobile networks (5G), drones and electric cars, all to prepare for the fourth industrial revolution.” 

Moon said: “When Seoul and Beijing opened a door to each other and aggressively pushed forward exchanges, we were able to enjoy a period of common prosperity. Judging from what both countries have achieved since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, we’ve remained in a mutually helpful and synergistic relationship in terms of economic growth.” 

In response, Xi said the 25-year-long ties between Seoul and Beijing had brought real benefits to both countries and contributed to regional peace and security. "I hope that both countries continue to work together to develop bilateral ties in a healthy and stable manner,” he said. 

The summit concluded with signings of seven MoUs – one related to resumption of Korea-China free trade agreement negotiations, and another on co-operation across the environment, healthcare, energy, eco-friendly matters and so-called "ecological industries". www.korea.net (ATI).