(Unofficial Translation)

I extend my gratitude to President Xi Jinping. I have traveled to China several times, but on every visit, the country’s monumental progress, which has transformed the landscape beyond recognition, surprises me.

I express admiration for the accomplishments of the Chinese people and the leadership of President Xi, who is taking China closer to its dream step by step.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. It is also a significant year for Korea as it marks the centennial of the March First Independence Movement and the founding of the Provisional Republic of Korea Government.

For both of our countries, this has been a year to look back on history and renew commitments to a new era.

I congratulate President Xi on the fact that the People’s Republic of China successfully observed major national events such as the 70th anniversary of its founding in October this year. I express my appreciation for how President Xi and the Chinese Government have shown interest in and worked for the preservation and maintenance of historic sites related to the Republic of Korea’s independence movement. 

This year, we’ve seen numerous achievements and changes in Korea-China relations and in the situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula. 

Exchanges between China and Korea have been revitalized, with trade exceeding US$200 billion, and more than 8 million people have traveled back and forth between our two countries like neighbors.

We may feel a momentary sense of regret toward each other, but our bilateral ties boast such a time-honored history and culture that our two countries can never become estranged.  

Just as China’s dream serves as an opportunity for Korea, I hope that Korea’s dream will also be beneficial to China. 

Since the President and I agreed to seek ways to cooperate in order to link up China’s One Belt One Road initiative and Korea’s New Southern and New Northern policies, a joint report containing concrete plans for collaboration has been recently adopted. 

I anticipate that, based on this, we will be able to implement various cooperative projects as soon as possible that can create synergy through joint entry into a third country.      

I hold in high regard the fact that China has played an important role so far in regard to denuclearization and a peace settlement on the Korean Peninsula. 

Recently, dialogue between North Korea and the United States has stalled, and tension has risen on the Korean Peninsula. This situation in no way benefits either of our countries – or North Korea.  

I hope that we can work together even more closely so that the long-anticipated opportunity presented to us will finally come to fruition. 

Mencius said that opportune timing afforded by heaven was not as valuable as being situated in the right place on earth, and that being situated in the right place on earth was not as valuable as having harmonious relationships with people.

Korea and China possess a heaven-sent opportunity and advantageous situation on earth that can bring about mutual prosperity. If harmonious human relationships are added, we can usher in a new era together.   

I look forward to seeing Your Excellency soon in the coming year in Seoul. 

Thank you.