President Moon Jae-in and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a summit for 40 minutes from 7:20 this evening on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Papua New Guinea.
President Moon explained recent progress in inter-Korean relations and negotiations between North Korea and the United States. He also noted that President Xi has played an important role in making headway with the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
President Xi responded by saying that he stood in support of the endeavors of President Moon and the Korean Government to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula. He added that China, for its part, would continue its constructive role.
The two heads of state came to an agreement that the second North Korea-United States summit and Chairman Kim Jong Un’s reciprocal visit to Seoul should become a critical watershed in resolving Korean Peninsula issues. They also shared the opinion that the time for such resolutions is growing ripe. In addition, they reached an agreement to work closely together for the success of the upcoming North Korea-U.S. summit.
Second, President Moon expressed his appreciation to President Xi for China’s active support for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and promised that Korea would render undivided support for the success of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Noting that the two Koreas' bid to co-host the 2032 Olympic Summer Games would contribute to the development of inter-Korean relations and the settlement of peace on the Korean Peninsula, President Xi said he would actively assist the joint endeavors.
Third, the two Presidents agreed to actively facilitate progress in discussions for the mutually-beneficial conclusion of the Korea-China FTA. On top of this, the two leaders agreed on their governments' joint responses to tackle environmental issues, including fine dust.
Fourth, President Moon asked for the Chinese Government’s continued interest and cooperation in preserving and managing the historic sites in China related to Korea’s independence movement as next year marks the centennial of the establishment of the Provisional Republic of Korea Government. President Xi promised active cooperation. President Moon also said that the repatriation of Chinese soldiers’ remains would be actively pursued to symbolize the improved friendly ties and restoration of trust between Korea and China.
Fifth, President Moon asked President Xi to visit Seoul at the earliest possible date, explaining that such a visit would further enhance bilateral relations. President Xi expressed his gratitude for the invitation and said that he was willing to visit Korea on a convenient date next year. Regarding his potential visit to Pyeongyang, President Xi said that he was invited by Chairman Kim Jong Un to visit North Korea and that he would arrange a time to visit the North next year.