The One China policy remains a stumbling block in Seoul-Beijing relations. Before his Sunday trip to China, President I Jae-myong emphasizes its importance for peace in the region.
In an interview with Chinese television station CCTV, South Korean President Yi Jae-myong declared that his government will continue to respect the one-China policy. The interview was published on Friday shortly before his visit to Beijing. TASR informs about it based on a report by the Jonhap agency.
- The president of South Korea confirmed his support for the one-China policy.
- In the interview, he emphasized the importance of stability in the region.
- He considers the maintenance of the principles from 1992 to be the basis of cooperation.
I said the foreign policy principles agreed upon by South Korea and China when they established diplomatic relations in 1992 remain in effect and continue to serve as “basic guidelines” for bilateral relations.
Highlighting the importance of Taiwan
“I clearly affirm that adhering to the one-China principle and maintaining peace and stability in Northeast Asia, including the Taiwan Strait, are very important,” the South Korean president declared.
Until 1992, Seoul maintained diplomatic relations with the government of the Republic of China based in Taiwan and considered it the representative of all of China. Like most of the international community, it changed its stance and established diplomatic relations with Beijing.
State visit to China
On Sunday, the South Korean president will travel to China for a four-day state visit, where he will meet with President Xi Jinping. It will be their second meeting in two months. The visit will take place at a time of heightened tensions over Taiwan, where Beijing recently launched military exercises.
