Xi, Moon discuss major concerns in first phone call

The new government of the Republic of Korea, it is hoped, will attach great importance to the relevant major concerns of China and take tangible actions to push for the healthy, stable development of bilateral ties, President Xi Jinping told the newly elected ROK President Moon Jae-in during a phone call on Thursday.

Moon said he fully understands China's major concerns, according to an official release of the Foreign Ministry.

Although the release did not elaborate on the major concerns, observers noted that the call was made as Washington and Seoul deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system in the ROK, a move that has angered Beijing and chilled China-ROK ties.

Moon said the new ROK government will proactively communicate with China over this and work hard to seek a proper solution.

The call was made one day after Xi sent a congratulatory message to Moon.

Xi and Moon have agreed to keep in contact and meet at an early date.

Speaking of bilateral ties, Xi said achieving a better development of China-ROK ties serves the common interests of our two peoples and is conducive to the peace, stability and development of the region.

Both sides should bear in mind their original goals set at the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and pay respect to the major concerns and rightful interests of each other, Xi said.

Xi said both countries should work hard to seek common ground, eliminate differences and properly tackle their disagreements.

China and the ROK are neighbors and important countries in the region, and the bilateral relationship, since its establishment 25 years ago, has witnessed great achievements, which deserve being cherished, Xi said.

Moon said he agrees with Xi's comments on the ties, and Seoul attaches great importance to them.

Seoul is ready to work with Beijing to advance the pragmatic strategic cooperative partnership, Moon said.

On the Korean Peninsula situation, Xi said China has been upholding the idea of achieving the goal of denuclearizing the peninsula, championing peninsula peace and stability, and resolving issues through dialogue and consultations.

Moon said Seoul is ready to work with Beijing and achieve the goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula by resuming the Six-Party Talks at an early date.

The ROK endorses the Belt and Road Initiative and expects it to bring greater development and prosperity to countries and regions along the routes, including China and the ROK, Moon added.

During the call, Xi also expressed his deep remorse at the deaths of 11 children, from both countries, who perished in a traffic accident on Tuesday in Weihai, Shandong province.

Twelve people, including five ROK kindergarten pupils and six Chinese pupils, died when a school bus crashed and then burst into flames as it traveled through a tunnel in the coastal city in northern China.

Xi requested Moon to convey his condolences to the parents of the dead ROK children.

Moon said he appreciated Xi's condolences and the Chinese government for taking swift action to properly tackle the aftermath of the accident.

Contact the writer at zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn