1. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, who is on a visit to Japan for a Republic of Korea-Japan-China foreign ministerial meeting, met bilaterally with Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China on August 24 for a useful discussion on matters of mutual concern, including the ROK-China relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula, in a very sincere and friendly aura.

2. In the meeting held on the 24th anniversary of the ROK-China diplomatic relations, Minister Yun stressed that continued advances in the bilateral strategic cooperative partnership will serve interests of both countries. In that vein, he voiced hope that the two countries, which will mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2017, will see their ties taken to the next level.

° Minister Wang, calling the year 2017, which marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations, a highly significant year in terms of the bilateral ties, shared Minister Yun’s view regarding the need for continued advances in the relations.

3. Minister Yun, bringing attention to North Korea’s launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on August 24 in disregard of repeated warnings from the international community and in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, expressed deep concern over North Korea’s moves to advance its nuclear and missile capabilities, as demonstrated by its repeated missile provocations and acknowledged reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. In that regard, he underscored the need for the international community to deter North Korea’s nuclear and missile development with a sense of urgency and a strong resolve, as well as the need for the ROK and China to cooperate closely to send a strong message to North Korea on various bilateral and multilateral occasions.

° Minister Wang mentioned that China is firmly opposed to North Korea’s nuclear and missile development and calls for a denuclearized Korean Peninsula; will continue to strictly implement Security Council resolutions; and hopes for continued strategic communication with the ROK on the North Korean nuclear issue.

4. The two Ministers shared with each other their respective countries’ basic positions on the envisioned deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and agreed to continue communication with each other on the matter. In particular, Minister Yun stressed that no particular issue should undermine efforts to develop bilateral relations.

5. The two Ministers agreed to take the opportunity of the forthcoming ROK-Japan-China foreign ministerial meeting to continuously increase the trialteral cooperation. The two sides also agreed to work closely together with regard to the trilateral cooperation and other diverse regional and international issues.

6. Minister Wang hailed the plan of President Park Geun-hye to attend the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China, on September 4 and 5. The two top diplomats agreed to work closely together to make a success of the upcoming G20 Summit.


* unofficial translation