Korea, China are not only close neighbors but inseparable partners: Chinese envoy
Chinese Charge d'Affaires Fang Kun speaks during the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China event held in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Embassy of China in Seoul
Chinese Charge d'Affaires Fang Kun highlighted China's profound transformations and progress since 1949 and emphasized the importance of continued Korea-China cooperation during the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China event held in Seoul on Thursday.
"On Oct. 1st, 1949, the People's Republic of China was founded. From then on, the history of old China, which was poor, weak and at the mercy of others, came to an end, and the Chinese nation was reborn from the ashes and entered a new era of independence, autonomy and progress," he said, "The Chinese nation has ushered in a great leap from standing up, getting rich to becoming strong."
Fang underscored the significant economic milestones China has achieved, noting that China's total economic output ranks second in the world.
In 2023, China's per capita GDP surpassed $12,000, marking a 750-fold increase since 1952. He also pointed out China's leading positions in manufacturing, trade and foreign exchange reserves, alongside its advances in high-speed rail, electric vehicles and technological innovation.
"Looking back over the past 75 years, we are fully proud of the progress of the Chinese people's having (a) better life. China has built a moderately prosperous society in all respects and lifted nearly 100 million rural people out of poverty," Fang said, emphasizing the social advances made under Chinese leadership.
Fang emphasized China's commitment to an independent foreign policy centered on peace, development and cooperation. He stated that China aims to be a builder of global peace, a contributor to worldwide development and a defender of the international order. Fang also called for increased international cooperation to tackle global challenges and achieve shared prosperity, highlighting China's role as a responsible major nation.
On the future of Korea-China relations, Fang stressed the importance of strategic cooperation.
"China and the ROK are not only close neighbors that cannot be moved away, but also inseparable partners," he said. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, Fang noted that "China-ROK relations have achieved leapfrog development, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields have yielded fruitful results."
Looking ahead, Fang expressed optimism about the potential for deeper ties between the two nations.
"China's policy towards the ROK remains continuous and stable, and we always attach great importance to the ROK and China-ROK relations. It is hoped that both sides will stick to the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations, follow the trend of the times, and keep a steady strategic direction," he said.
In closing, Fang called for enhanced communication and mutual trust to foster a better future for both countries.
"Continuously strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, deepen friendship, expand cooperation, promote the steady and long-term development of the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership, create a better and more prosperous future for the two countries and make greater contributions to regional peace and stability and human development and progress," he said.