Xi, Trump congratulate Moon's election victory

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) smiles at U.S. President Donald Trump as they pose together for photographers before dinner at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, Apr. 6. / AP-Yonhap

By Ko Dong-hwan

South Korea’s new President Moon Jae-in has received congratulatory messages from two of the most influential nations in the world: China and the U.S.

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Moon with a message on Wednesday, according to China’s state news agency.

Xi said the two countries “have deepened their ties since they established diplomatic ties 25 years ago and the strong relations have brought benefits to both and contribute to peace and stability in the region.”

Xi also reportedly said he “hopes to deepen ties and resolve differences amid diplomatic rifts over a U.S. missile defense system deployed in South Korea,” referring to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery at Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

Hours before on Tuesday, the White House contacted Moon on his election victory and said the U.S. looks forward to working with him to continue strengthening bilateral ties.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said: “We congratulate President-elect Moon Jae-in and join the people of South Korea in celebrating their peaceful, democratic transition of power,” referring to the process of ousting former President Park Geun-hye and electing a new president.

“We look forward to working with President-elect Moon to continue to strengthen the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea and to deepen the enduring friendship and partnership between our two countries.”