Japanese minister: China's role vital to dealing with DPRK threat

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Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) agreed on Tuesday on the importance of China’s role in dealing with the threat from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s nuclear and missile programs, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono told reporters after meeting his ROK counterpart.

The two US allies are seeking to boost cooperation over DPRK’s nuclear and missile programs, despite lingering tension between them over the issue of “comfort women," a Japanese euphemism for women – many of them Korean – who were forced to work in Japanese military brothels before and during World War II.

Ties have been frozen over the issue, with ROK President Moon Jae-in promising to renegotiate a 2015 pact signed with Japan that is unpopular in ROK.

ROK President Moon Jae-in visited China from Dec 13 to 16, 2017. /AFP Photo

The leaders of China and ROK on Thursday agreed to advance bilateral relations to ensure the long-term stability of their ties.

The commitment was made during talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his ROK counterpart Moon Jae-in in Beijing.

Xi welcomed Moon on his state visit to China for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

China and the ROK are friendly neighbors and strategic cooperation partners, Xi said.

He said the two countries have made remarkable progress in exchanges and cooperation in various fields, which has brought tremendous benefits to both sides.

There have been some twists and turns in China-ROK relations, which have provided enlightenment for both sides on how to create a better future together on the basis of mutual respect for each other's core interests, said Xi.

Source(s): Reuters ,Xinhua News Agency