ADRN

 

Like we've heard, today marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the People's Republic of China.

 

We're still waiting to hear what the presidents of the two countries had to say to mark the occasion, but for an analysis on the current relationship between Seoul and Beijing, and on how ties could develop in the future, we connect via Zoom with Dr. Kim Yang Gyu, Principal Researcher at the East Asia Institute.

 

Good evening, Dr. Kim.

 

1. So, thirty years have passed since Seoul and Beijing began their diplomatic relations. A lot has happened during that time, but looking back at the past three decades, Dr. Kim, how would you rate the current level of friendship?

 

2. Official commemorative events are taking place as we speak, simultaneously in Seoul and Beijing. Foreign ministers of the two countries are set to deliver messages from both presidents. What kind of messages can we expect from both sides?

 

 

 

3. Seoul's foreign minister Park Jin previously said during talks with his Chinese counterpart that the direction of the two countries' relations must be based on cooperation that's aimed at protecting mutual interests. What does he mean by this? What kind of diplomatic direction does the current administration want with China?

 

4. We hear that the East Asia Institute carried out a survey to find out the public's perception on Seoul-Beijing relations.

 

I'm curious, what do the public think South Korea's priorities with China should be?

 

5. And... Seoul-Beijing relations have been at a bit of a low recently especially after the THAAD deployment and the latest competition between Washington and Beijing. In which areas do the public think that development could be made between South Korea and China?