Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

20th Asian Security Conference features Korea-China Defense Ministers’ Meeting

- Urged China to play a constructive role in North Korea's denuclearization and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula
- Concurred on the need to develop the Korea-China relationship based on mutual respect and reciprocity
- Agreed to strengthen mutual visits by high-level defense officials and enhance exchange cooperation

During the 20th Asian Security Conference, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup had a defense ministers’ meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu on the afternoon of June 3. 

This is the first defense ministers’ meeting between Korea and China since Li was named as the Minister of National Defense in March.

The two ministers discussed the regional security situations including Korean Peninsula and bilateral defense exchanges and partnership. They also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.

Minister Lee emphasized that North Korea’s advanced nuclear weapons and missiles and continued provocations pose serious challenges to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region and urged China to play a constructive role in North Korea’s denuclearization.

The two ministers concurred on the need to develop a relationship based on mutual respect and reciprocity. To realize this in the defense sector, they agreed to resume mutual visits of high-level officials and strategic dialogue, as well as exchanges including personnel exchanges of military branches. Furthermore, they resolved to advance defense cooperation by revising an MOU.

In addition, to enhance trust between Korea and China, they decided to review a project, ongoing since 2014, to repatriate the remains of fallen Chinese soldiers and assess the usability of direct communication lines between Korean and Chinese navies and air forces, which have been expanded since 2022. These steps are aimed at further promoting communications between the two countries.