Seoul: Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol announced plans to bolster cultural cooperation with China following recent summit discussions between the two nations. President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Beijing marked his second summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which he described as pivotal for fully restoring bilateral relations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Koo emphasized during a meeting with economy-related ministers that the summit laid a foundation for economic cooperation, which will be supported by advancing cultural cooperation. He regarded the South Korean president’s visit, the first in nine years, as a crucial step towards restoring bilateral ties and fostering future-oriented cooperation.
Koo outlined the government’s intention to gradually reinstate cultural exchanges in areas such as arts, sports, tourism, games, music, film, and broadcasting. The aim is to expand people-to-people exchanges, thereby reinforcing the newly established economic collaboration framework.
Relations between South Korea and China have faced challenges in recent years, notably due to China’s ban on Korean cultural content. This was a response to South Korea’s 2016 decision to deploy a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense antimissile system. China has not formally acknowledged these restrictions, but the recent summit talks indicate a potential shift towards reconciliation and renewed cooperation.