Lee Hak-young, Vice Speaker of the National Assembly, visited the National People's Congress of China on the 10th and expressed his welcome for the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Korea, which will take place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju in October.
The Vice Speaker noted that around 3:30 p.m. local time, he met with Zhao Leji, Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, along with lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties and said, “We have been in continuous discussions with the Chinese side to create a new turning point in bilateral relations through President Xi's visit, and I understand that Xi has also shown a positive response.”
Chairperson Zhao is equivalent to the Speaker of the National Assembly in Korea and ranks third in the hierarchy in China. The Korean delegation visiting China includes Vice Speaker Lee Hak-young, People Power Party lawmaker Lee Heon-sung, and Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers Han Jeong-ae, Gam Jeong-ho, Yoo Dong-soo, Lee Byeong-jin, and Lee Hae-min from the Rebuilding Korea Party.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Speaker stated, “This visit of the Korean delegation to China is significant in several aspects, including being the first visit in 10 years, the resumption of the parliamentary regular exchange system in about four years, the first high-level exchange at the National Assembly level since the launch of the new government in Korea, and maintaining momentum for high-level exchanges between the two countries ahead of the APEC summit in Gyeongju this year.”
He continued, “The Korea-China relationship has made significant progress in nearly all areas, including political, economic, cultural, and interpersonal exchanges over the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992,” and added that President Xi's congratulatory message to President Lee Jae-myung and their phone call demonstrated the importance both countries place on their bilateral relations.
The Vice Speaker also commented on the structures China has installed in the West Sea, saying, “There is considerable domestic interest and concern, and it is expected to be treated as a major issue in the future,” and expressed hope that China would take proactive measures to ensure that this matter does not hinder the development of bilateral relations.
Chairperson Zhao remarked, “China and Korea are unshakable neighbors and inseparable partners in cooperation,” and stated, “Over the 33 years of diplomatic relations, the two countries have held hands and moved forward together, achieving results that not only enhanced the welfare of the peoples of both countries but also actively contributed to the peace and development of the region.” He further stated, “Under the strategic leadership of the two countries' leaders, I hope to strengthen exchanges with the Korean side, enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation, and continuously advance bilateral relations.”
The delegation of the National Assembly of Korea has been visiting China since the previous day and is scheduled to stay for a total of five days, departing on the 13th. This visit is in accordance with the regular exchange system between the Korean and Chinese parliaments and marks the first meeting since 2018, seven years ago. It is also the first time our delegation has visited Beijing in 10 years, since 2015.
The delegation will conclude its schedule in Beijing after visiting local autonomous driving and robotics companies, then move to Xi'an next month. In Xi'an, they are expected to meet with Zhao Yide, Secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress, and visit the Samsung semiconductor factory, the BYD electric vehicle factory, among others. They also plan to visit the memorial park marking the 80th anniversary of the Korean Liberation Army's Second District.