S. Korea-China Talks

[Anchor Lead]

In a meeting of delicacy, President Park Geun-hye and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Korea’s deployment of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system among other issues of bilateral concern. The Chinese leader maintained his opposition to the THAAD deployment, but he didn't express it openly. Let’s find out more.

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The South Korean and Chinese leaders have met for the first time since the decision to deploy the U.S. missile defense system THAAD in July. The meeting lasted for 46 minutes in a solemn atmosphere. President Park urged a more progressive stance from Beijing because North Korea's provocations pose a threat not only to the Korean Peninsula and regional peace but also to China's relations with South Korea.

[Soundbite] Pres. Park Geun-hye : "I believe we need a new perspective and approach to efficiently deal with various security and economic issues."

Park stressed that the THAAD system is only intended for intercepting North Korean nuclear weapons and missiles, and will in no way infringe on a third country's national security. She added that once the North Korea missile issue is resolved, there will be no need for the missile defense system. She proposed that South Korea, Japan and China discuss this issue together. The Chinese leader maintained his opposition to the THAAD deployment, but reiterated his strong support for denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and thorough implementation of the U.N. Security Council resolution. He also stressed that South Korea and China must restore their friendly ties for the sake of stability in Northeast Asia.

[Soundbite] Xi Jinping(Chinese President) : "The ties between China and South Korea must stabilize in the right direction and develop in a sound way in order to play a proactive role in regional and world peace."

President Park will continue discussionson cooperation on the North Korea missile issue with leaders of the U.S. and Japan in Laos on September 6.