“Grasping this opportunity (the Cheonan incident), good communication and cooperation between the two sides have occurred,” Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Zhang Xinsen told Ahn Sang Soo, house leader of the Grand National Party, in a meeting between the two in Seoul today.
Ambassador Zhang further rejected the August 30th assertion by President Lee Myung Bak whereby it “appears that relations between China and South Korea have drifted apart because of the Cheonan incident,” stating definitively, “I don’t think so.”
President Lee made the comment in a meeting with Vice-chairman of the National People’s Congress Chen Zhili on August 30th.
On the contrary, according to Ambassador Zhang, “We know very well that the two countries making a constant effort to relieve tensions and pursue peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula corresponds to the common interests of all the countries in this region, including South Korea and China.”
He added, “The relationship between the two countries, which began as a tiny shoot, has developed into a tree of many fruits. Our countries’ strategic cooperative partnership has developed significantly; relations have already become mature.”
“China is presently South Korea’s biggest trading partner, and we are China’s fourth biggest,” Ahn, agreeing with Ambassador Zhang, said. “Relations between the two countries have developed that much. In terms of China’s quantum leap, there have been several important causes, but they are a consequence of having a good leader.”
He added, “In order to lead North Korea down the path of practical denuclearization, reform, opening and cooperation are crucial.”
Ahn also noted, “I hear that Chairman Kim Jong Il visited China and stated that the North will return to the Six-Party Talks. However, there are some points that we can hardly understand,” and pointed out, “I believe more responsible actions and the will to change are necessary.”
Asked about the purpose of Kim Jong Il’s visit, Zhang evaded giving a direct answer, simply saying, “China is engaged in international exchanges with neighboring countries’ leaders. Relations with North Korea are one part of this big framework.”
