Incheon mayor, Chinese ambassador to boost bilateral cooperation

Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, right, shakes hand with Dai Bing, China's newly appointed ambassador to Korea, during a meeting to discuss ways to revitalize exchanges and practical cooperation between local governments at Incheon Metropolitan City Hall, Sunday. Courtesy of Incheon Metropolitan City Hall

Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok met with Dai Bing, China’s newly appointed ambassador to Korea, on Sunday to discuss enhancing exchanges between local governments and fostering practical cooperation.

The mayor congratulated the ambassador following his recent appointment, highlighting Incheon's long-standing role in fostering Korea-China relations.

"Incheon leads the nation in exchanges with China through initiatives like the Incheon-China Forum and local economic cooperation under the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement," Yoo said. "As president of the Governors Association of Korea, I am committed to restoring local government exchanges that slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Dai, a seasoned diplomat who previously served as China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, assumed his post in Korea on Jan. 27. Recognized as an expert in international affairs, he stressed the importance of collaboration between the two neighboring countries.

“Korea and China are the closest of neighbors,” Dai said. “Amid the current international and regional landscape, I hope both nations can jointly identify new growth engines and pursue practical cooperation. I look forward to Incheon playing a central role in fostering local government exchanges.”

The meeting highlighted the strategic importance of Incheon as a bridge for bilateral relations. Since 2019, the city has co-hosted the Incheon-China Forum with the Chinese Embassy in Korea. The forum has evolved into a platform for fostering economic, cultural and government cooperation between the two countries.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the forum, which has played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties. Yoo underscored the city’s commitment to further advancing bilateral cooperation.

“We hope to continue meeting frequently and engaging in discussions that will further develop Korea-China relations,” the mayor said.