Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Chinese envoy marks National Day with pledge of economic progress, peace
Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing speaks during the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China reception in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Embassy of China in Seoul
By Kim Hyun-bin
Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing hosted a reception in Seoul to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. During the event, he emphasized Beijing’s push for modernization. He also reaffirmed China’s commitment to peace and expressed a strong desire to deepen ties with Korea.
Dai told an audience of Korean dignitaries, lawmakers, business leaders and members of the Chinese community that the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949 symbolized the Chinese people “rising after a century of hardship.” Since then, he said, the nation has transformed into the world’s second-largest economy, its top manufacturing base and the leading trader of goods.
“China’s modernization is an unstoppable historical process,” Dai said, citing stable growth under the country’s current five-year plan. He noted that China’s gross domestic product grew 5.3 percent in the first half of the year, while production, consumption and trade all showed resilience. “China has both the confidence and capacity to achieve its development goals,” he added.
The ambassador emphasized Beijing’s record of pursuing peaceful development, pointing out that China has avoided war for more than three decades and has written the principle of peace into both its constitution and the Communist Party charter. He said China deploys the largest number of peacekeepers among the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, and continues to play what he called a “constructive role” in regional and global security.
“China will always be a force for peace, stability and progress in the world,” Dai said, adding that Beijing intends to work with the international community — including Korea — to safeguard the legacy of victory in World War II and promote initiatives for global development, security and governance.
Turning to bilateral ties, Dai described Korea and China as “important neighbors and partners” whose destinies are closely connected. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, he said, cooperation in trade, culture and people-to-people exchange has delivered tangible benefits not only to both countries but also to the wider region.
Dai noted that Presidents Xi Jinping and Lee Jae Myung recently reaffirmed the need for stable ties, while Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Cho Hyun emphasized focusing on common ground and cooperation.
“China’s policy toward Korea remains stable and consistent,” Dai said.
He also highlighted stories of personal solidarity between citizens of both countries. Among the examples he cited were the death of a Korean coast guard officer who drowned while rescuing a Chinese national during high tide in Incheon, a bus driver who carried an unconscious Chinese student to safety and a zookeeper celebrated in China for tending to giant pandas in Seoul. Such acts, Dai said, “show the genuine friendship between our peoples and strengthen the foundation of bilateral relations.”
Looking ahead, Dai noted that Korea will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju next month, followed by China’s turn in 2026. He pledged Beijing’s full support for Seoul’s hosting efforts, calling the meetings an opportunity to advance regional cooperation and deepen high-level exchanges.
He closed by offering a toast to China’s prosperity, the friendship between the two nations, the success of the APEC summits and the well-being of the guests.