Lee Jae-myung's presidential special envoy delegation met with Zhao Leji, Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, on the 26th to convey a willingness to improve relations based on trust. Chairperson Zhao emphasized the importance of bilateral relations, responding that "there is a willingness to move forward hand in hand with Korea."
The special envoy delegation, led by former National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok, met with Chairperson Zhao around 4 p.m. (local time) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Chairperson Zhao holds the third-ranking position in China, comparable to Korea's National Assembly Speaker. Attendees included Sun Wei-dong, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Liu Qi, Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
Chairperson Zhao noted, "President Xi Jinping emphasized that 'if the China-Korea relationship is good, both sides benefit, and conversely, if it is not good, both sides suffer' and said, 'This is precisely the important lesson and experience that the development process of China-Korea relations over the past 33 years has left for both sides.'
He added, "China is willing to work hand in hand with Korea, under the strategic leadership of the two countries' leaders, to strengthen dialogue and communication, enhance understanding and trust, and deepen practical cooperation to ensure that China-Korea relations keep pace with the times and move forward stably and steadily."
In response, Director General Park stated, "One thing I remember from President Xi's remarks is 'ni zhong you wo, wo zhong you ni' (你中有我·我中有你, you are within me, and I am within you). The relationship between the two countries has gone through ups and downs over the past 33 years, but I believe the overall trend is moving in a good direction," and added, "The Lee Jae-myung government is a strong government that occupies 60% of the National Assembly seats. I will do my best to ensure that the relationship between the two countries progresses toward stability."
Director General Park also said, "I keep in mind the saying that without trust, nothing can stand. Trust is essential for us to work together as long-time friends." He added that it is necessary to enhance trust among political leaders and promote friendly sentiments in civil society, stating, "In addition to politics, we must closely communicate and exchange in various areas, including economics and culture, and work together for peace and stability in regional situations, including the Korea-China relationship."