China and ROK continue to deepen relationship despite differences

China and the Republic of Korea have transcended their differences in political systems, development paths and values to achieve "huge outcomes" in their cooperation over the past three decades, which is an important lesson for developing bilateral ties, a veteran diplomat said in Beijing on Friday. 

Addressing an event hosted by China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration to commemorate the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, Ning Fukui, former Chinese ambassador to the ROK, said the two countries have been learning from and supporting each other since establishing such relations in August 1992.

The domestic situations in the two countries and the international circumstances have changed significantly over the past three decades, the former ambassador said, calling on China and the ROK to comprehend these changes, enhance mutual political understanding, deepen cooperation and expand their common grounds to further develop ties.    

"Bilateral ties have become more mature during the 30 years. We are totally capable of handling all kinds of issues that may occur in our relations in a mature way ... and in a positive, friendly, frank and respectful manner," he said. 

Urging the two countries to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges to create a friendly atmosphere, Ning said they should encourage various cultural exchange activities to promote understanding between their peoples, manage differences and clear misconceptions. 

Kim Jin-gon, minister counselor of the ROK embassy in China, who also attended the event, echoed Ning's emphasis on cultural exchanges, and said the two countries are "precious neighbors" who enjoy geographic proximity, close cultural links and people-to-people affinity.

The ROK and China have obtained remarkable outcomes in cooperation in various field over the past 30 years, something that is "rarely seen anywhere else in the world", Kim said, adding that bilateral relations will become deeper as the two countries continue their approach of mutual understanding.