Moon Hee-sang
Honorary Chairman

Hello.

This is Moon Hee-sang, Honorary Chairman of the Preparatory

Committee for the 30th Anniversary of China-Korea Diplomatic Relations.

2022 marks the historic 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and China. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, the relationship between the two countries has witnessed remarkable development.

At the time of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the annual interpersonal exchange between South Korea and China was 130,000 people. However, by 2019, this figure had increased to 10.37 million. In terms of bilateral trade, at the time of diplomatic relations, it was a mere $6.3 billion, but by 2019, it had surged to $243.4 billion.

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The fact that the trade between South Korea and China exceeds the combined trade between South Korea and the United States, as well as South Korea and Japan, reflects the depth and breadth of the relationship between the two countries. Despite the challenging global circumstances with closed borders due to COVID-19, South Korea and China have continued exchanges, even exchanging epidemic prevention supplies, including masks.

Just as we have a saying in Korea, "친구는 옛 친구가 좋고, 옷은 새 옷이 좋다" (I like old friends and new clothes), in China there's a similar saying '의불여신 인불여고 (衣不如新 人不如故),' which emphasizes the preference for new clothes over old ones and cherishing old friendships. Korea and China have shared the Chinese character culture for over 5,000 years, accompanied by a shared historical background. To us, China is our neighbor by destiny, and the two countries are the closest and most important neighbors and partners. The friendly cooperation between Korea and China is undoubtedly a positive legacy to pass on to future generations.

At the moment when we stand on the threshold of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and China, the establishment of “the Preparation Committee for the 30th Anniversary of China-Korea Diplomatic Relations” is a very meaningful step. This committee will not only commemorate the past 30 years between the two countries, but also serve as a platform for public exchanges, contributing to drawing the blueprint for the next 30 years of our future. In the future, the committee will expand policies such as 1.5-track diplomacy, academic seminars, cultural exchanges, and youth exchange programs to promote public diplomacy, while fostering mutual friendship between our two nations. With the spirit of “Dongjugongje (同舟共濟, We are all sailing in the same boat),” we hope for a future of peace and prosperity for both Korea and China.

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Moon Hee-sang, Honorary Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations

Song Young-gil
Co-Chairman

Hello.

I am Song Young-gil, Co-Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations.

2022 marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and China, a significant milestone in history. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1992, the relationship between the two countries has witnessed remarkable development.

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The Preparatory Committee serves as a collaborative platform for public and private cooperation to commemorate the meaningful 30 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

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I, too, have a connection with China in the South Korea-China exchanges. In 2010, serving as the Mayor of Incheon, I dedicated efforts to promote exchanges between Incheon and Guangzhou through the Guangzhou Asian Games.

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I also made efforts to deepen cooperation and exchanges between Incheon Songdo Free Economic Zone and Tianjin Binhai New Area. In 2014, I spent a year at Tsinghua University, engaging in diverse exchanges with Chinese officials and striving to understand China better.

Despite the numerous challenges in South Korea-China relations and the suspension of most exchanges due to COVID-19, the two countries have demonstrated mutual understanding by exchanging epidemic prevention materials and looking out for each other during these difficult times.

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​In the spirit of "患难见真情, 邻里相守望 (True friendship is revealed in times of adversity; neighbors support each other),” I believe that the Preparatory Committee serves as a crucial platform connecting the past, present, and future of bilateral exchanges. Through such a meaningful exchange platform, I hope for the continuous and progressive development of the future of South Korea-China relations.

Song Young-gil, Co-Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations

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Kwon Young-se
​Co-Chairman

Hello!

I am Kwon Young-se, Co-Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations.

The Preparatory Committee will be responsible for public diplomacy in various fields, along with government exchanges between Korea and China, involving both the public and private sectors.

Despite occasional challenges in their relationship, Korea and China have been engaged in exchanges since the establishment of friendly cooperation in 1992, evolving into a strategic cooperative partnership in 2008.

Particularly noteworthy is the trade volume between the two countries, which increased from $630 million in 1992 to $243.4 billion in 2019, showing nearly a 39-fold growth. People-to-people exchanges have also seen explosive growth, rising from around 130,000 participants in 1992 to 10.37 million in 2019.

In the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia, the relationship between South Korea and China holds significant importance. As seen during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, both countries need to prepare for the post-pandemic era and find new ways to facilitate conversation.

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The Preparatory Committee for the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations is expected to serve as a communication channel for bilateral exchanges in various fields, including academics, culture, and youth groups.

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Kwon Young-se, Co-Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations

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Ro Jae-hun
Standing Chairman

Hello!

I am Ro Jae-hun, Standing Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations.

Our Preparatory Committee is a public-private cooperation organization dedicated to commemorating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and China in 2022.

The current Preparatory Committee is composed of various organizations in a collaborative effort, including East Asia Culture Center, The Belt and Road Research Institute, Korea-China Cultural Friendship Association, East Asia Foundation, Korea Cultural Industry Forum, Korea-China Cultural Association, and Today's China-Korea and China Top Academy.

Our committee aims to expand public diplomacy between Korea and China across various sectors such as politics, diplomacy, academia, culture, arts, and the youth, based on the blueprint set by the intergovernmental cooperation body established by the governments of both countries, known as the 'South Korea-China Future Development Commission.'

The Preparatory Committee, with the purpose of establishing a foundation for Korea-China friendship on the occasion of the 30th anniversary, is actively pursuing diverse exchange projects, including the construction of a Korea-China friendship monument, publication of books related to South Korea-China relations, international academic seminars, cultural exchanges, and youth exchanges.

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In the future, the Preparatory Committee will dedicate itself to collaborating with government entities such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Assembly, and the embassies of both countries. It aims to play a significant role in important exchanges and cooperation between Korea and China, contributing to the friendly development of bilateral relations.

Ro Jae-hun, Standing Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations

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Qu Huan
Standing Vice Chairman

Hello,

I'm Qu Huan(曲欢), Standing Vice Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations.

As Chairman of the Korea-China Cultural Friendship Association, Daughter of a Chinese Mother, and Mother of a Korean Daughter, I am dedicated to fostering friendly exchanges between South Korea and China.

Living in Korea, I often find myself comparing Koreans and Chinese, seeking to understand their characteristics. When discovering commonalities, I feel a sense of connection, and when identifying differences, I become curious and develop a deeper interest.

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The special relationship between Korea and China is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022. Confucius once said that when a person reaches the age of thirty, they should establish the foundation of their learning and clarify the purpose of their life—an age known as “Eerip (而立, independence of interest)” or “Eebji (立志, location).”

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Our Preparation Committee, with the sixth President of South Korea Roh Tae-woo, a key figure in the establishment of diplomatic relations, and his son Ro Jae-hun， President of the East Asia Culture Center, serving as the standing committee chairman, holds particular significance.

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I am delighted to collaborate with the Belt and Road Research Institute, led by Chairman Choi Jae-cheon, and the “Today's China Korea's Top Program,” led by President Choi Won-sik. I look forward to participating in the committee's activities and contributing to the ongoing efforts for Korea-China exchanges. Thank you.

Qu Huan,   Standing Vice Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations

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Park Jeong
Vice Chairman

Hello.

I am Park Jeong, Member of the National Assembly representing Gyeonggi Paju City constituency and Vice Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations.

In Chinese proverbs, there's one that says, 岁寒知松柏, 患难见真情, which translates to "In the cold of winter, one can appreciate the sturdiness of pine and cypress trees, and in times of adversity, true friendship is revealed."

Amid the global challenges posed by COVID-19, Korea and China have supported each other, jointly striving to overcome this crisis. Through these efforts, I believe that both countries have reaffirmed their friendly relationship.

In January of this year, Presidents Moon Jae-in and Xi Jinping declared 2021 and 2022 as the “Years of Cultural Exchange between Korea and China” during their summit, expressing the intention to jointly plan the blueprint for the next 30 years in celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022.

The Preparatory Committee will work on the vision for the next 30 years, as outlined in the dialogue between the leaders, from a civilian perspective.

The issues between Korea and China are not confined to the two countries alone. They are intricately linked with the dynamics between the United States and Northeast Asian nations, including North Korea, Japan, and Russia. To unravel this complexity, efforts in the public sector are crucial.

The Preparatory Committee will play its role in the public sector. In the future, we will do our utmost to ensure that the committee becomes a catalyst for the foundation of peace, prosperity, and mutual goodwill in Northeast Asia. Thank you.

Park Jeong, Vice Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations

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