Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Republic of Korea, China discuss mutual concerns: “Denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula”

Vice Minister of National Defense Park Jae-min and deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China’s Central Military Commission hold first Republic of Korea-China strategic defense dialogue in five years 

Personnel exchange: Defense ministers’ mutual visitInstallation of additional hot lines in Navy and Air Force  

Attending the ninth Beijing Xiangshan Forum underway in Beijing, Vice Minister of National Defense Park Jae-min held the first Republic of Korea-China vice ministerial strategic defense dialogue in five years with his Chinese counterpart, in Beijing on October 21. 

During the dialogue, Vice Minister Park and Lt. Gen. Shao Yuanming, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China’s Central Military Commission, had an in-depth discussion on the security situation in the region, including China and the Korean Peninsula, and expressed their mutual concerns.

Park and Yuanming shared the understanding that not only the Republic of Korean government’s efforts but also China’s constructive efforts will play an important role in the complete denuclearization of and the establishment of a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, and the two countries should strengthen bilateral strategic communication for the sake of peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

Both expressed appreciation for the fact that defense exchanges and cooperation between the two countries have been normalized this year. They also agreed to make efforts to upgrade defense exchanges and cooperation in their respective fields, including revising a relevant MOU containing the additional installation of hot lines in the Navy and the Air Force and promoting the conclusion of a disaster relief agreement, while expanding personnel interchanges, including a visit between the Republic of Korean and Chinese defense ministers. 

“The strategic dialogue, which has resumed after five years, has created momentum for the two countries’ defense authorities to solidify their trust and strengthen strategic communication,” a spokesperson for the ministry reported.

Prior to the dialogue, Vice Minister Park made a courtesy call to China’s Defense Minister Wei Fenghe on Sunday, in which they shared opinions on bilateral relations, the security situation in the region, and Republic of Korea-China defense exchanges and cooperation. Park also asked for China’s constructive efforts to overcome the current deadlock related to the Korean Peninsula and resume the dialogue between North Korea and the US. 

By Su-Yeol, Maeng <guns13@dema.mil.kr >

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