China, South Korea vow to further develop bilateral ties, uphold multilateralism

BUSAN, South Korea - China and South Korea pledged here Saturday to further develop the relations between the two countries and uphold multilateralism as well as free trade.

The pledge was made at a meeting between Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Suh Hoon, South Korea's top national security adviser.

Yang, also the director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, spoke highly of the achievements made in the development of China-South Korea relations, saying the two countries have enjoyed good momentum in developing bilateral ties under the strategic guide of the leaders of both countries.

The two countries have joined hands in fighting COVID-19 to effectively bring the epidemic under control and made solid progress in cooperation in various areas, becoming the role models on the international stage.

Yang said that China is willing to work together with South Korea to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication, promote docking of development strategies, explore and cultivate new growth points in bilateral cooperation and boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges so as to elevate the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership to a new high.

Noting that China advocates building a new type of international relations featured with mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation, Yang said China stands ready to enhance international cooperation in the multilateral sector with South Korea in order to safeguard multilateralism and free trade.

Yang said China supports South Korea in playing its role as the chair of China-Japan-South Korea cooperation and in advancing regional economic integration. China also supports the two Koreas in improving relations and promoting reconciliation and cooperation, and is ready to work with relevant parties to play a constructive role in the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue, Yang added.

Suh Hoon, for his part, said South Korea attaches great importance to developing relations with China. He said South Korea looks forward to having closer high-level exchanges with China, comprehensively deepening communication and cooperation in a full range of areas, and jointly building lasting peace on the peninsula.

Suh said South Korea will actively advance the agenda of China-Japan-South Korea cooperation, uphold multilateralism in international affairs, and make new contributions to international cooperation in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic.

The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Asia-Pacific region. The Chinese side elaborated its principles and stands on the China-US relations.