Seoul, Beijing agree to annual summits, high-level sea boundary talks

January 9 ------ South Korea and China agreed to hold leaders’ meetings annually and seek strategic communication on sensitive issues – including long-unresolved maritime boundaries in the West Sea.

The second summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday in Beijing “consolidated the momentum toward a full restoration of South Korea–China relations,” national security adviser Wi Sung-lac said during a press briefing following the summit. “In line with a full restoration of Korea–China relations, the two leaders shared the view that they should continue to meet on an annual basis,” Wi told reporters.

Lee and Xi also agreed to “restore strategic dialogue channels across a range of fields, including between their foreign and security authorities, in order to solidify political trust between the two countries.” The two leaders further committed to “expanding communication and exchanges between their defense authorities to enhance mutual trust and explore ways to contribute to regional peace and stability.”

The 90-minute summit also covered sensitive issues, including China’s unilateral installation of structures in the Provisional Measures Zone – a jointly managed area in the West Sea established under the 2000 Korea–China Fisheries Agreement. “Both sides shared the view that it is important to turn the West Sea into a sea of peace and shared prosperity for the stable, long-term development of South Korea–China relations,” Wi said.

Seoul and Beijing agreed to continue constructive consultations on issues related to China’s structures in the West Sea. “On this matter as well, I have come to hold cautious expectations that progress can be made,” Wi added.

The two sides also agreed to work toward holding “vice minister-level talks on the delimitation of maritime economic zones in the West Sea” this year. Wi said Seoul and Beijing also shared the view that “restraint and responsible conduct are essential” in the West Sea, where the maritime boundary remains undefined.

Source: inquirer.net