South Korea and China enter a phase of full restoration of relations… accelerate FTA negotiations and cooperate on AI

Xi Jinping "Pioneer a new phase in bilateral relations"

Promote communication of public sentiment through exchanges between the people

South Korea and China pledged to improve relations in terms of the economy and private exchanges through a summit. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in high-tech industries and promote close communication through expanded private exchanges.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on the 1st, on the occasion of attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting, at the Korea–China summit held at the Gyeongju National Museum that he wants to accelerate second-stage free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with South Korea and strengthen cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), biopharmaceuticals, and green industries.

Xi said that day, "To pioneer a new phase in bilateral relations, I propose deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthening the bonds of shared interests," and added, "I hope we will view bilateral relations from a long-term perspective by strengthening the foundation of mutual trust through strategic communication."

He also emphasized that "we should develop together with mutual respect, find common ground and acknowledge differences while cooperating and pursuing win-win outcomes."

He expressed that exchanges between the peoples of the two countries should promote 'communication of public sentiment.' Xi proposed "strengthening guidance of public opinion, delivering more positive messages, and curbing negative trends," and suggested activating exchanges among youth, media, think tanks, and regions.

At the state banquet hosted by President Lee Jae-myung after the Korea–China summit, he said, "Facing rapidly changing international and regional situations, the two countries should inherit the tradition of friendship and demonstrate Eastern wisdom."

In his remarks following President Lee's welcoming address, Xi said, "Let us open a beautiful tomorrow for bilateral relations together through joint efforts to respect and trust each other, cooperate and pursue win-win outcomes, and be good neighbors who help each other's success."

He also said, "The two countries are friendly neighboring countries and strategic cooperative partners. China has consistently attached importance to South Korea and places bilateral friendship in an important position in its peripheral diplomacy."

He stressed, "I had a fruitful meeting with President Lee," and added, "China is willing to work closely with South Korea as next year's APEC chair to promote prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and to push for global governance to develop in a fairer and more reasonable direction."

Xi introduced that he recently received a letter from students of the International Department of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and said, "Every line was filled with expectations for the development of bilateral relations," adding, "I hope the two countries will carry out many youth exchange activities."

Xi, who visited South Korea for the first time in 11 years and completed major schedules over a 2-night, 3-day stay, departed for home that day. This was his first visit to South Korea since July 2014.

He performed a hectic diplomatic schedule from the day he arrived until he left South Korea. He entered through Gimhae International Airport on the 30th of last month and held a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Gimhae Airport Air Force Naraemaru.

News that Xi told President Lee at the APEC summit that he "enjoyed the Hwangnam bread (a gift)" became known, and Hwangnam bread stores in the Gyeongju area even enjoyed an 'APEC special.'

Beijing=Kim Eun-jung, correspondent kej@hankyung.com