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Republic of Korea - China Joint Statement
(unofficial translation)
11-15 November 1998

1. President Kim Dae-jung of the Republic of Korea made a State Visit to the People's Republic of China from November 11 to 15, 1998, at the invitation of President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China. President Kim received cordial and warm greetings from the Government and the people of China.

2. During the visit, President Kim Dae-jung of the Republic of Korea and President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of China held a summit meeting in an amicable atmosphere. President Kim also held talks with Li Peng, Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Premier Zhu Rongji of the State Council and Vice President Hu Jintao. President Kim and the Chinese leaders made extensive and profound exchanges of views on the ever-growing Korea-China relations, and regional and international issues of common interest. They came to a common understanding on the above-mentioned matters.

3. The two leaders expressed satisfaction that the relations of good neighborhood, friendship and cooperation between Korea and China have been enhanced remarkably in various fields-political, economic, social and cultural- since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries six years ago. They further recognized that the progress in bilateral relations has been mutually beneficial to Korea and China and that it has contributed to the stability and prosperity of Northeast Asia.

The two leaders agreed to build a "Korea-China Cooperative Partnership for the 21st Century" with a view to establishing relations for the future, based on the principles of the "Charter of the United Nations," the spirit of the "Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Korea and the People's Republic of China" and the relations of good neighborhood, friendship and cooperation that have been promoted between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

4. The two leaders took notice of the gravity of the Asian financial crisis and agreed to reinforce information exchanges and cooperation between economic research institutes to help overcome the crisis.

Korea commended China for stabilizing the value of the yuan and stimulating domestic demand to maintain steady growth, which has greatly contributed to mitigating the current Asian financial crisis.

China expressed that it will continue to contribute to stabilizing the Asian economy within its capacity and praised the Korean Government's efforts in reviving and reforming its economy.

5. China reaffirmed that it will continue to step up efforts for the future peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and welcomed the positive progress in the recent private economic exchanges between the two Koreas. China expressed its support for the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula by the Korean people through dialogue and consultation, and hoped that the objectives of the "Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" be realized as soon as possible.

Both sides expressed their sincere hope that they continue to pursue the Four-Party Talks, so that a permanent peace regime could be gradually established on the Korean Peninsula.

6. China reiterated that there is but one China in the world and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. Korea expressed its due understanding and respect for China's stance and that Korea will continue to abide by the "One China" policy.

7. The two sides agreed to expand and deepen exchanges between the two leaders, government branches, national assemblies and political parties.

8. The two sides noted with satisfaction that bilateral economic and trade relations have grown significantly in the past six years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. They agreed to further expand economic and trade cooperation well into the next century for the mutual prosperity of both countries as well as the stability and development of Northeast Asia.

The two sides concurred to elevate the head delegate of the "Joint Committee for Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation" to vice-ministerial level.

The two sides took notice of the current trade imbalance between the two countries and agreed to work together to narrow the imbalance through expansion of overall bilateral trade.

Korea welcomed China's proposal to expand bilateral trade by providing export credit to Korea and hoped that it would stimulate trade activities between the two countries. For its part, China appreciated Korea's decision to reduce adjustment duties.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in finding new items for trade. They decided to deregulate trade restriction measures such as the anti-dumping mechanism.

Korea actively supported China's accession to the "Bangkok Agreement" and China appreciated Korea's position.

Korea stated that it will decide within this year whether to provide an EDCF(Economic Development and Cooperation Fund) loan amounting to 7 billion won for two projects in Anhui Province to expand bilateral economic cooperation.

The two sides hoped to strengthen cooperation in the field of financial supervision and monitoring, and in the reciprocal opening of the financial markets of the two countries.

9. The two sides shared an understanding to enhance cooperation in the following sectors: industry; science & technology; information & telecommunication; environment; energy; natural resources; agriculture; forestry; nuclear energy; social infrastructure; and railways.

The two sides agreed to seek continuous and active progress in the "Committee for Korea-China Industrial Cooperation" so as to promote bilateral industrial cooperation to a higher level in the 21st century.

The two sides concurred on continued strengthening of governmental and non-governmental cooperation in the fields of science and technology in accordance with the "Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Korea and China."

Considering that recent floods, droughts, earthquakes and other natural disasters have inflicted immense damage on both countries, they agreed to step up cooperation in information exchanges, early warning systems and research areas.

The two sides decided to enhance cooperation in the field of pure science, as well as in the commercialization of high technologies.

To prepare for the approaching information era, the two sides decided to strengthen ties in informatization of the state, such as highway networks and electronic commerce links, and to continue R&D cooperation in the hi-tech telecommunication field.

Both sides have decided to expand cooperation in environmental protection and environmental industries on the basis of the "Korea-China Environmental Cooperation Agreement" and to strengthen joint investigation and research between the two Governments in the areas equally concerning both countries, such as yellow sands, acid rain and Yellow Sea environmental protection. They also decided to participate in regional cooperative activities. Both sides agreed to launch a joint initiative for the prevention of marine contamination from oil spills in the Yellow Sea.

Both sides agreed to expand efforts in joint development and utilization of energy and natural resources.

Korea decided to participate in the "1999 Kunming International Horticultural Exposition" and China welcomed the decision. Both sides agreed this would give momentum to widening exchanges and cooperation in the field of horticulture.

Both sides agreed to build a Korea-China model farm and to extend joint research for the prevention of blights and crop pests.

Both sides recognized the importance of forests to the natural ecosystem and the fact that their protection and reasonable use are critical to the improvement of the ecological environment and furthermore, the survival of mankind. They agreed to further intensify cooperation in the fields of reforestation and soil-loss prevention on the basis of "Agreed Minutes on the Cooperation in the Field of Forestry" between the two countries.

The two countries agreed to reinforce cooperation and exchanges in the field of nuclear science and energy based on the "Agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy" between Korea and China.

China welcomed Korea's request to participate in the construction of social infrastructure in China for the mutual benefits of both countries. They hoped for close cooperation in construction projects in other countries.

Both sides concluded the "Korea-China Arrangement on Railway Cooperation." They also decided to proceed to widen exchanges in science & technology and to enhance cooperation in education and training in the field of railways.

10. The two sides noted the importance of expanding diverse exchange programs and enhancing mutual understanding between the Korean and Chinese peoples, in addition to widening governmental exchanges, with a view to developing a future-oriented Partnership.

In order to strengthen and promote cultural exchanges and cooperation in diverse areas, both sides decided to convene the "Korea-China Joint Cultural Commission" on a regular basis, in accordance with the "Agreement on Cultural Cooperation" between the two countries.

The two sides agreed to hold and actively support various events in commemoration of the 50th anniversaries of the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1998 and the People's Republic of China in 1999.

The two sides agreed to increase educational and academic contacts based on the "Educational Exchange Arrangement" between the two countries which was concluded in 1998.

The two sides noted that they will encourage bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and make joint efforts to promote the tourism industry.

The two sides agreed to foster sister-relationships between the regional governments of various levels to strengthen economic and cultural ties.

Both sides welcomed the signing of the "Treaty on Mutual Judicial Assistance in Criminal Matters," the "Agreement on the Simplification of Visa Procedures and the Issuance of Multiple Entry Visas," the "Memorandum of Understanding on Exchange of the Youth" between the two countries and the initialing of the "Fisheries Agreement." They hoped that the above-mentioned documents would contribute to the advancement of bilateral relations, and the expansion of mutual exchanges and cooperation.

11. The two sides stressed their commitment to closely cooperate in global issues, including the nonproliferation of nuclear arms, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, reduction of biochemical arsenals, the environment, drug trafficking, international terrorism and crimes.

Korea reiterated its support for China's early entry into the World Trade Organization. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the international fora, such as APEC, ASEM, ARF and the UN. Also, they agreed to closely cooperate for the successful hosting of the third ASEM summit, scheduled to be held in Korea in the year 2000.

12. Both sides expressed satisfaction that President Kim Dae-jung's State Visit to China was a success. President Kim appreciated the warm hospitality of the Chinese people and invited President Jiang Zemin to visit Korea at a convenient time. President Jiang gratefully accepted the invitation.

CNSThis material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2007 by MIIS.

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