Xi's ROK visit to see new deals

BEIJING -- China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) will release a joint paper and sign cooperative documents covering the economy and trade, finance, the environment and consular affairs during President Xi Jinping's state visit to Seoul, a senior diplomat said on Tuesday.

China and the ROK will outline the future of their bilateral ties and exchange views on enhancing mutual trust and cooperation in international and regional affairs, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin told a press briefing ahead of Xi's visit on Thursday and Friday.

"The two sides will also exchange views on maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," Liu said.

Xi will hold talks with ROK counterpart Park Geun-hye, meet with National Assembly Speaker Chung Ui-hwa and Prime Minister Chung Hong-won. He will also deliver a speech and attend economic and trade events during his stay in the ROK, according to Liu.

China has become the ROK's largest trade partner and export market while the ROK is now the third-largest trade partner and the fifth-largest source of foreign investment for China. Both are the largest overseas tourist destination and source of foreign students for each other.

"President Xi's visit will advance the bilateral relationship, boost cooperation in all fields and contribute to each other's development as well as regional and world peace, stability and prosperity," Liu said.