[COLUMN] Era of strategic cooperation between Seoul and Beijing

By Kim Sang-soon Posted : November 8, 2017, 17:27 Updated : November 8, 2017, 17:27

[Xinhua News Agency]



(This column was contributed by Kim Sang-soon, president of the East Asia Peace Research Association.)

An agreement to end a dispute over an American missile shield called "THAAD" represents the recovery of the three basic principles in relations between South Korean and China.

First, they acknowledged the 'position' and 'understanding' of the other side and restored the basic spirit of diplomatic ties.

Second, the agreement restored the principle of separating politics from economics. In a situation where different systems are in conflict, the success achieved by diplomatic ties has been made possible by this principle which is acknowledged as a best practice of diplomacy. This spirit should be cherished.

Third, it is a recovery of 'strategic cooperation and partnership'. The words that the two countries will attach great importance to their bilateral relationship and will pursue the development of bilateral strategic partnership in accordance with the spirit of common documents are very meaningful.

The opening of Moon Jae-in's government and the second term of Xi Jinping is an opportunity to pursue new changes. Both South Korea and China must open the era of strategic national cooperation. This can provide an opportunity for the two countries to develop a true 'strategic relationship' in four aspects.

First, it is an opportunity for strategic political cooperation. The two countries have experienced the significance of their relationship through the THAAD dilemma. As I have repeatedly emphasized, THAAD and the North Korean nuclear issue are not internal elements of the relationship between Seoul and Beijing.

Second, it is an opportunity for strategic security cooperation. From 2015, I have called for private security dialogue. For the first time in the security field, the two sides were locked in a fierce diplomatic war. From now we should actively pursue strategic security dialogue.

Third, it is an opportunity for strategic economic cooperation. Through strategic cooperation in pushing for South Korea's 'new northern policy' and China's 'one-belt and one-road policy', the two countries can gain enough economic, political and diplomatic benefits.

Fourth, it is an opportunity for strategic cultural cooperation. Xi's second term is interested in public and social development, and especially dreams of a "cultural powerhouse". Through a combination of Chinese capital and South Korea's experience in producing K-pop contents, they can make a new challenge.

The two countries have the opportunity to open a new era through reconciliation. The difference caused by different positions and interests requires a process of understanding each other through 'communication', and new attempts are needed to resolve them. They should actively participate in communication in the security area with their past experience.




 
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