China, S. Korea to expand cooperation in seven areas

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China and South Korea signed seven memoranda of understanding in Beijing on Thursday after a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in.

The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in the areas of health, industry and information technology, agriculture, commerce, energy, the Winter Olympics and education.

South Korean city Pyeongchang will host the next Winter Olympic Games in February 2018, while the 2022 Winter Olympics will be held in the Chinese capital.

Earlier on Thursday afternoon, President Xi held a welcome ceremony for Moon at the Great Hall of the People. This is the third meeting between the two heads of state.

Xi and Moon exchanged views on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the bilateral ties since South Korea's decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) on its soil.

Xi said China-South Korea relations have suffered setbacks lately, but Moon's trip would improve ties.

Moon called for a "new start" in bilateral relations. He also said both countries should work together to peacefully get rid of nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Moon Jae-in hold talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, December 14, 2017. /CGTN Photo

Moon arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for his four-day state visit to China. He attended a business forum with Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli on Wednesday afternoon.

The South Korean president is expected to deliver a speech at Peking University on Friday, before traveling to southwestern Chinese city Chongqing on Saturday.

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