Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated President Lee Jae-myung on his election victory, stating, “China and Korea are inseparable neighbors” and that “we must elevate the strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level.”
According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 10th, President Xi said during a phone call with President Lee that, “Over the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, our two countries have actively promoted exchanges and cooperation in various fields, overcoming differences in ideology and social systems, achieving mutual accomplishments and common development.” Xi added, “A healthy, stable, and sustainable relationship between our two countries aligns with the trends of the times, serves the fundamental interests of our peoples, and is beneficial to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.”
President Xi remarked, “We must uphold the original intentions of establishing diplomatic ties, solidify the direction of friendly cooperation, and maintain the goals of mutual benefit and 'win-win' outcomes,” stating that “we need to inject more certainty into the international situation, which is rife with uncertainty.” He continued by emphasizing the enhancement of exchanges at all levels and in all sectors to strengthen strategic mutual trust, uphold multilateralism and free trade collectively, and ensure the stability of supply chains. He also stressed the importance of enhancing exchanges to increase understanding between the peoples of both countries and that “the relationship between the two countries should continuously develop on the right track.”
In response, President Lee expressed agreement, stating, “Korea and China are geographically adjacent, have a long history of exchanges, and have close economic and cultural ties.” He noted, “The impressive achievements China has made in its development are remarkable. Together with China, I will deepen our friendly relations and enhance the feelings between our peoples to achieve greater results in cooperation.”