Sound China-ROK relations conform to common aspirations of both peoples

BEIJING - The sound development of relations between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) conforms to the historical trend and the common aspirations of both peoples, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.

China's state broadcaster, China Central Television (CCTV), Monday broadcast an interview with ROK President Moon Jae-in, who will pay a state visit to China from Dec. 13 to 16.

During the interview, Moon said that the China-ROK relations have developed rapidly since the two countries established diplomatic ties 25 years ago.

However, the mutual trust between the two sides was damaged in recent years, Moon said, adding that his trip to China is aimed at restoring that trust.

In reference to this, spokesperson Lu Kang told a daily news briefing that China and the ROK are neighbors and important cooperation partners, with friendly exchanges and win-win cooperation being the main theme of bilateral ties during the past 25 years.

He said China and the ROK have a common interest in promoting each other's economic and social development, as well as achieving regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

However, the mutual trust and the cooperation basis have been affected by some well-known factors, Lu said.

President Moon has attached great importance to relations with China since taking office, Lu said, adding that China and ROK have reached some consensus on handling the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system issue.

"We hope the THAAD missile defense system issue continues to be settled properly, and both sides can push bilateral ties back onto the normal track of healthy and stable development on the basis of respecting each other's core interests and major concerns," Lu said.