Pres. Lee Stresses China’s Role on Korean Peninsula

President Lee Myung-bak yesterday stressed the role of China in relations between the two Koreas, saying, “China will play a critical role in helping South and North Korea to maintain peace, forcing Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program, and encouraging the two Koreas to unify.”

In an interview with the Chinese newspaper People’s Daily, Lee said, “China is on very good terms with the North and is the closest neighbor to the South.”

The interview was conducted at the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul Friday and reported by the People’s Daily yesterday.

The president said Seoul and Beijing should further strengthen bilateral relations.

“In the 16 years since South Korea and China established diplomatic ties, China has become our biggest trading partner and South Korea the third or fourth-biggest trading partner of China,” he said.

“No two nations have grown closer faster. It’s high time for the two nations to upgrade bilateral relations to a higher level and beyond economic ties.”

He also said, “Economic relations are the most important factor in international relations in the 21st century. Given that, no bilateral relations can match those between South Korea and China. I believe the leaders of the two nations should hold talks at any time, help each other, and cooperate on international matters instead of having official meetings infrequently.”

“Friendly relations between the two nations are helpful in maintaining peace in Northeast Asia, and China has played a pivotal role in the six-party talks. China will be admired by its neighbors if it maintains good relations with other Northeast Asian nations and thrives alongside its neighbors.”

On China’s devastating earthquake in Sichuan Province, Lee said, “I have watched the Chinese struggle to recover from the devastating disaster. I’ve been touched by Beijing’s strong leadership and the orchestrated efforts of the Chinese people.”

mhpark@donga.com