Chinese envoy says advancement of ties with Korea 'not a matter of choice'

Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming delivers a speech at the China-Japan-Korea Cooperation Dialogue held in Seoul, Oct. 12. Yonhap

China's top envoy to Korea said Monday that Beijing will seek to advance ties with both Korea and the United States, calling it an "obligation" to tackle global challenges.

The remarks by Xing Haiming came a day after the top diplomats of Korea, China and Japan held tripartite talks, the first such meeting in around four years, and agreed to accelerate preparations to resume the long-stalled summit among their leaders.

"China and Korea are inseparable neighbors and cooperative partners in a win-win relationship where both sides benefit and the benefits integrate together," Xing said in a speech read by Fang Kun, deputy chief of mission at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, at a forum hosted by the Institute for Global Strategy and Cooperation.

He added that Korea and China "must develop well" their ties, given the economic interdependence and geopolitical bond, saying it is "not a matter of choice."

China has become Korea's largest trading partner, overtaking the United States.

China will seek to strengthen communication and cooperation with Korea so that the two countries can constantly reach "new developments" while "excluding interference," he said.

Xing also stressed the importance of deepening ties with the United States, saying that the success of Beijing and Washington is an opportunity for each other.

"The two sides should strengthen their solidarity and cooperation to tackle global challenges together," he said. "This is not only an obligation for China and the U.S., but an obligation for all countries, including China and Korea." (Yonhap)