China to further ties with ROK

BEIJING - China is ready to work with the Republic of Korea (ROK) to further promote bilateral relations in light of the election of ROK President Park Geun-hye, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Thursday.

President Hu Jintao has given congratulations to Park, Hua said at a daily press briefing.

Hailing the progress of Sino-ROK relations since the two established diplomatic ties in 1992, Hua said China is willing to further enhance mutual strategic and political trust with the ROK and deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in multiple fields.

Park, the 60-year-old daughter of former ROK President Park Chung-hee, won an election held on Wednesday, becoming the country's first female president.

Hua said maintaining the Korean Peninsula's peace and stability is in line with the common interests of all sides and conducive for the region's common development and prosperity.

China has consistently encouraged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the ROK to improve relations through dialogue and promote reconciliation and cooperation so as to ultimately achieve the independent and peaceful reunification of the peninsula, Hua said.

She also called on relevant sides to make joint efforts to safeguard peace and stability in northeast Asia and promote the process of economic integration in east Asia.

Peace and stability in northeast Asia is not only significant for the region, but also important for the world, according to Hua.