Wang Yi Meets with Former ROK Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan

On June 29, 2024, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan of the Republic of Korea (ROK), who is in China for the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, in Beijing.

Wang Yi said that Lee Hae-chan is a senior ROK politician who has been dedicated to the development of friendly relations between China and the ROK for many years, which the Chinese side highly appreciates. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence originated in Asia, which is an important and valuable contribution made by Asia to international relations. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles, and the theme of this commemorative conference is to move from the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence towards building a community with a shared future for mankind. Participating countries reached important common understandings on this and issued a Beijing Declaration, which has written another important chapter in the history of international relations. The ROK is a close neighbor of China, and the two sides are natural partners. China is ready to work together with the ROK to promote the sound, stable and continuous development of China-ROK relations. Wang Yi expressed the hope that friends from all walks of life in the ROK will continue to play an important role in this regard, to promote a correct understanding of China in the ROK society, and strengthen the ties and friendship between the Chinese and ROK peoples.

Wang Yi said, China is highly concerned about the recent fire incident that broke out in a battery factory in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do of the ROK, which caused casualties of Chinese nationals. Lee Hae-chan specifically visited the Chinese Embassy in the ROK and expressed condolences and sympathies. The ROK side should find the cause of the accident as soon as possible, handle it responsibly, and prevent similar tragedies from happening again.

Lee Hae-chan expressed his gratitude to the Chinese side for inviting him to attend this commemorative conference. He said he listened attentively to the important address delivered by President Xi Jinping at the conference on Friday, and he was deeply touched by and resonated with it. China always abides by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, works for the peaceful settlement of various disputes, and leads and maintains peace and stability in the Asian region. The inclusive and universally beneficial attitude of China is crucial to today's world. All walks of life in the ROK attach great importance to the ROK-China relations and are willing to continue strengthening exchanges with China at all levels and push forward the continuous development of bilateral relations.

The two sides also had an exchange of views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and other issues of mutual interest and concern.