New Chinese ambassador arrives in Seoul

Dai Bing, China's former deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, has arrived in Seoul to serve as Chinese ambassador to the Republic of Korea.

In a written speech upon his arrival at Gimpo International Airport, Dai said that he would adhere to the principles proposed by Chinese leaders of maintaining the original aspirations for establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, enhancing friendship and good-neighborliness, and upholding mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and work together with the ROK side to promote the healthy, stable and positive development of the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership.

The speech was published on the official WeChat account of the Chinese embassy in the ROK on Friday.

Noting that China and the ROK are neighboring countries with a long history of friendly exchanges, Dai said that over the past 32 years since they established diplomatic ties, bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields have yielded fruitful results, benefiting their peoples and making significant contributions to regional and global peace and prosperity.

As the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, the relationship between China and the ROK is at a crucial stage, he said.

Dai emphasized that China and the ROK are inseparable neighbors and indispensable partners, and their cooperation is highly mutually beneficial and strategic in nature. Strengthening friendly cooperation serves the fundamental interests of both sides, he added.

Dai said that China is advancing its modernization drive, which will provide the ROK with more new opportunities for development.

China is willing to enhance collaboration with the ROK to promote regional peace and stability, uphold the international free trade system, and create a favorable environment for the common development of both countries as well as global solidarity and cooperation, he said.

Dai expressed his sincere wish that the ROK would overcome difficulties and continue to maintain stability, development and prosperity.

The Chinese ambassador post had been vacant following Xing Haiming's departure from Seoul in July.

caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn