Seoul, April 10 (Yonhap) – South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik met with Losang Jamcan, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, who was visiting Seoul on April 10th.
During the meeting, Losang Jamcan conveyed that Chinese President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the possibility of visiting South Korea on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Gyeongju this year. He stated that China is willing to maintain communication with South Korea regarding this matter. He also expressed China’s positive attitude towards cultural exchanges, emphasizing the necessity for both countries to maintain the momentum of exchange and cooperation.
Woo Won-shik urged China to pay attention to President Xi Jinping’s potential visit to South Korea for the Gyeongju APEC summit. He also stated that both countries should accelerate the follow-up negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) service investment and deepen bilateral economic cooperation. Furthermore, he called on China to create a stable and predictable business environment for South Korean companies operating in China.
In addition, Woo Won-shik emphasized that South Korea is handling domestic issues in an orderly manner in accordance with the constitution and legal procedures and has entered an election mode ahead of schedule. He expressed hope that South Korea will develop into a more solid democratic country in the future.
Analysis:
This meeting highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts between South Korea and China, particularly concerning high-level exchanges and economic cooperation. The emphasis on President Xi Jinping’s potential visit to South Korea for the APEC summit underscores the importance both countries place on this event as a platform for bilateral discussions.
The South Korean side’s focus on accelerating FTA negotiations and creating a stable business environment for Korean companies in China reflects key economic priorities. Woo Won-shik’s comments on South Korea’s domestic political situation also suggest an attempt to reassure China of the stability and democratic nature of the South Korean government, even amidst an upcoming election.
This meeting provides a snapshot of the complex and multifaceted relationship between South Korea and China, characterized by both opportunities for cooperation and areas requiring careful management. The outcome of President Xi Jinping’s potential visit and the progress of FTA negotiations will be key indicators of the future trajectory of this relationship.
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