Stable Sino-ROK ties serve both and region

As China and the Republic of Korea [marked yesterday] the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, there is a renewed opportunity to inject fresh vitality into their strategic cooperative partnership. The meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his ROK counterpart Cho Hyun in Seoul on Wednesday can help the two sides demonstrate strategic vision and jointly ensure the healthy, stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations.

China and the ROK have long enjoyed a robust economic and trade relationship, evolving into a deeply integrated community of shared interests, with annual bilateral trade volume surpassing $330 billion. For more than two decades, China has remained the ROK’s largest trading partner, and its vast market continues to offer opportunities for the ROK’s industries. This partnership helps drive innovation and growth in both countries.

By expanding cooperation in high-value-added sectors and tapping into new growth drivers such as artificial intelligence, green transition and the digital economy, they can further unlock the potential of their economic integration. This approach aligns not only with the ROK’s economic transformation needs, but also with China’s focus on high-quality development.

At this juncture, accelerating the second phase of negotiations on the China-ROK Free Trade Agreement is crucial. The deal promises to enhance openness in the service and investment sectors. Reaching the deal serves the two countries’ common interest.

However, this cooperation must be grounded in mutual respect and strategic autonomy.

During the meeting, Wang clearly expressed the hope that the ROK will, based on its fundamental interests, pursue an independent foreign policy and develop relations with other countries in parallel without conflict.

The souring of China-ROK relations after the ROK’s deployment of the US’ Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile system in 2016 underscores that economic integration, no matter how deep, cannot fully insulate bilateral ties from strategic mistrust. Moving forward, managing differences requires strategic communication, transparency and a shared commitment to dialogue over unilateral actions.

Apart from economic collaboration, it is also in the shared interests of both countries to strengthen coordination in addressing regional security challenges. As Cho noted, the two sides can work to ensure that China-ROK relations contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the broader region.

The current international climate is fraught with uncertainties. China and the ROK share a responsibility to safeguard the fruits of the victory in World War II and protect peace and stability in the region. The Korean Peninsula remains a focal point of regional security dynamics. China is committed to playing a constructive role in promoting peace and stability on the peninsula.

The upcoming 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled to be held in Shenzhen in November, is a platform for deepening regional cooperation. Both China and the ROK should seize this opportunity to collaborate with other Asia-Pacific economies in facilitating collective growth and development, while addressing shared challenges, such as climate change, and promoting innovation and sustainable development.

Over the past more than three decades, China-ROK relations have experienced a complex journey, with both sides transcending differences in social systems and ideologies to actively advance exchanges and cooperation across various sectors, achieving mutual success and common prosperity.

Today, as the two nations strive to promote the sound, stable and sustainable development of their bilateral ties, they can continue to inject lasting momentum into regional and global stability and development.

[Abriged]

Editorial, China Daily