Politics
16:39, 26-Aug-2017
Choi Young-sam: South Korea seeks peaceful solutions instead of war or disputes
["china","other","South Korea"]
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Facing the tensions in the Korean Peninsula, China and South Korea are almost on the same page to press for dialogue to resolve the issue.
"We also seek dialogue. We also seek for the peaceful solutions instead of any kind of war or disputes," said Choi Young-sam, Minister of South Korean Embassy in Beijing. "So in this sense, Korea and China have very similar minds and goals in realizing the peace and stability in Korean Peninsula."
During a recent exclusive interview with CGTN, Choi said although there are detailed parts where the two sides disagree with each other, it would be eliminated due to the shared philosophy of the peaceful resolutions.
China and South Korea established diplomatic relations on Aug. 24, 1992. A joint statement said the establishment of their diplomatic relations would help de-escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and would also help to stabilize Asia.
China's then Foreign Minister Qian Qichen and his South Korean counterpart Lee Sang Ock signed the statement in Beijing. Qian said that China respected the desire of the Korean people for reunification through peaceful means.
Top-level visits have been frequently conducted between the two countries. It began with then South Korean President Roh Tae-woo making a landmark trip to Beijing, just one month after the two sides established official ties. Roh was greeted by Chinese President Yang Shangkun and Jiang Zemin, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
The relationship between the two countries turned down since 2016, when then South Korean President Park Geun-hye decided to deploy the US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea, following the DPRK’s missile tests. Park's move enhanced its alliance with the US but caused friction with China.
"THAAD issue is becoming a very important agenda even on the ordinary people from these two countries. In the past, it was just the issue of the two governments. This issue is very important strategically and at the same time very complicated," Choi said. He is confident that the conflict will eventually be solved due to the two countries' 25-year-long of friendly relationships.
In addition, Choi vows for further cooperation on cultural exchange and trade to maintain regional stability.
"We can work together. We can explore together. And we can be successful together," Choi said.
China and South Korea's economic and trade cooperation has developed rapidly since they established diplomatic relations in 1992. In 2015, they signed the China-South Korea Free-Trade Agreement and, according to the latest reports, it's having a significant impact on their trade relations.
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