Cooperation with China

[Anchor Lead]

On his visit to Beijing, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the North Korean nuclear issue and other topics. The two countries agreed to expand high-level exchanges, cooperate on sanctions on the North and strengthen economic cooperation.

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Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn visited Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

[Soundbite] Hwang Kyo-ahn(Prime Minister) : "I hope the two countries will continue to contribute to bringing stability and co-prosperity in the region."

[Soundbite] Xi Jinping(Chinese President) : "The two countries are closely communicating and pursuing common interest on the international stage."

Hwang stressed the need to continue pressure on North Korea in order to change the regime's dual-track policy of pursuing nuclear armament and economic development. He hoped that Seoul and Beijing will closely communicate and cooperate to make the North change. In response, the Chinese president said that China firmly opposes North Korea's nuclear possession and supports the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. He also said that Beijing is adhering to UN Security Council resolutions without acknowledging the North's dual-track policy. Regarding illegal fishing by Chinese fishing boats in South Korean waters, Xi said that the Chinese government is making serious efforts to resolve the issue. With next year marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, the two countries also agreed to expand exchanges of high-level officials and strengthen economic and political cooperation.