Xi calls for promoting sound, steady development ties between China, South Korea

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called for promoting sound and steady development of the strategic cooperative partnership between China and South Korea.

Xi made the remarks in his meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting held on Friday and Saturday in Lima, capital of Peru.

"The last time we met was in 2022 in Bali, and we are meeting again. Over the past two years, the international and regional situations have undergone many changes. No matter how the situation changes, China and South Korea should stick to the original intention in establishing diplomatic ties, firmly adhere to good-neighborliness and friendship, and remain committed to the goal of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. The two sides should give full play to the advantages of geographical proximity, cultural affinity and economic integration to strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and promote sound and steady development of the strategic cooperative partnership between the two sides, so as to better benefit the people of the two countries and make greater contributions to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity," said Xi.

For his part, Yoon said that exchanges and cooperation across various fields between the two sides have developed in an orderly manner since his meeting with Xi two years ago, stressing that South Korea regards China as an important partner.

"It is glad to talk with you again. For South Korea, China is an important partner in fostering close cooperation across various fields, including security, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Economic and trade cooperation serves as the central axis of our bilateral relations, and I hope that both sides can further strengthen cooperation in this regard, so as to jointly improve the well-being of both peoples," he said.

This year's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is taking place under the theme "Empower, Include, Grow". It gathers heads of state and other dignitaries from 21 member economies across the Asia-Pacific region, including China, the United States, and other major economies in Southeast Asia.

Xi calls for promoting sound, steady development ties between China, South Korea

Xi calls for promoting sound, steady development ties between China, South Korea

Xi calls for promoting sound, steady development ties between China, South Korea

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has expressed hopes that the upcoming 19th G20 Summit can reach an agreement on hunger, inequality and poverty, urging a pivot toward these and away from rampant military spending.

In an interview with China Central Television ahead of the summit, set to take place in Rio de Janeiro from November 18 to 19, Lula laid out his case on why the world should spend less on war and more on the wellbeing of children and vulnerable groups.

"Brazil doesn't want war. Brazil wants peace. Last year, the world spent 2.4 trillion U.S. dollars on weapons. If we spent that money on education and food, would there still be 733 million people living in hunger? Would so many children die from hunger? These are my questions. Therefore, we hope the G20 Rio de Janeiro summit can reach a pact on hunger, inequality and poverty," said the president.

"What we should not do is wage wars, kill and destroy everything, after which we have to rebuild, when nearly 1 billion people are living in hunger. Only if we have peace can we develop, produce and distribute. That's why I'm very content with the consensus reached between Brazil and China on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis," Lula said.

After attending the the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru on Friday and Saturday and completing his ongoing state visit to Peru, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 19th G20 Summit and pay a state visit to Brazil from November 17 to 21, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

During his visit, Xi will hold talks with Lula to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, the ministry said.

Brazilian president expects hunger pact at upcoming G20 summit