National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac briefs reporters on the South Korea?China summit at the Korea Press Center in . (Yonhap)
South Korea and China agreed on Monday to hold leaders¡¯ meetings annually and seek strategic communication on sensitive issues ? including long-unresolved m
ü¸®¸¶½ºÅ͸ð¹ÙÀÏ aritime boundaries in the West Sea.
The second summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday in Beijing ¡°consolidated the momentum toward a full restorati
¸±°ÔÀÓ¸ð¹ÙÀÏ on of South Korea?China relations,¡± national security adviser Wi Sung-lac said during a press briefing following the summit.
¡°In line with a full restoration of Korea?China relations, the tw
¾ß¸¶Å丱°ÔÀÓ o leaders shared the view that they should continue to meet on an annual basis,¡± Wi told reporters.
Lee and Xi also agreed to ¡°restore strategic dialogue channels across a range of fields, i
¹Ù´ÙÀ̾߱⹫·á ncluding between their foreign and security authorities, in order to solidify political trust between the two countries.¡±
The two leaders further committed to ¡°expanding communication and ex
Ȳ±Ý¼º¸±°ÔÀÓ changes between their defense authorities to enhance mutual trust and explore ways to contribute to regional peace and stability.¡±
The 90-minute summit also covered sensitive issues, including China¡¯s unilateral installation of structures in the Provisional Measures Zone ? a jointly managed area in the West Sea established under the 2000 Korea?China Fisheries Agreement.
¡°Both sides shared the view that it is important to turn the West Sea into a sea of peace and shared prosperity for the stable, long-term development of South Korea?China relations,¡± Wi said.
Seoul and Beijing agreed to continue constructive consultations on issues related to China¡¯s structures in the West Sea. ¡°On this matter as well, I have come to hold cautious expectations that progress can be made,¡± Wi added.
The two sides also agreed to work toward holding ¡°vice minister-level talks on the delimitation of maritime economic zones in the West Sea¡± this year.
Wi said Seoul and Beijing also shared the view that ¡°restraint and responsible conduct are essential¡± in the West Sea, where the maritime boundary remains undefined.
Cultural thaw, with limits
During the summit, Korea and China ¡°reached a consensus on gradually, step by step, expanding cultural-content exchanges in areas acceptable to both sides, and agreed to advance consultations on the specific details.¡±
Seoul and Beijing agreed to move forward with exchanges in areas such as the game of Go and football, while seeking progress in other fields ? including television dramas and films ? through working-level consultations.
Whether China will lift its unofficial ¡°Hallyu ban¡± on Korean content ? imposed after South Korea¡¯s 2016 deployment of the US THAAD missile defense system, and whose existence Beijing has consistently denied ? drew close attention during the summit.
Wi suggested, however, that Seoul and Beijing still differ on the pace and scope of any expansion in cultural exchanges.
¡°On cultural exchanges more broadly, China has maintained its position that cultural exchanges should be ¡®healthy and beneficial,¡¯¡± Wi said. ¡°In response, we proposed pursuing working-level negotiations and gradually expanding cooperation, beginning with areas that are currently feasible.¡±
Wi added that ¡°it is realistic to start with areas where mutual understanding can be reached and build from there in a phased manner,¡± noting that cultural content, and public attitudes toward culture, vary across countries.
Beijing backs North Korea dialogue
During the Lee?Xi summit, Seoul and Beijing also ¡°reaffirmed the shared understanding that peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula constitute a common interest of both countries,¡± Wi said.
Wi further explained that both sides ¡°confirmed China¡¯s willingness to play a constructive role toward that end.¡±
¡°We also shared the view on the importance of resuming dialogue with North Korea, and agreed to continue exploring creative approaches to easing tensions and building peace on the Korean Peninsula,¡± he said.
Asked whether the Lee?Xi summit addressed the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro through a military operation as well as the Taiwan issue and rising tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, Wi said the leaders held wide-ranging talks on regional developments.
¡°There were extensive discussions on developments on the Korean Peninsula and in the surrounding region. China presented its views, and we clearly explained our own position,¡± Wi said. ¡°The discussions were neither misaligned nor confrontational; rather, they took place in a cordial and constructive atmosphere.¡±
On the economic front, Seoul and Beijing ¡°agreed to step up efforts to achieve meaningful progress within the year¡± in negotiations on services and investment under the Korea?China free trade agreement ? part of the second phase of the pact, Wi said.