The Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to China, Ro Jae-hun, has characterized bilateral relations as entering a transformative phase following President Xi Jinping’s landmark visit to South Korea last month—his first in over a decade. In an exclusive interview with China Daily, the ambassador revealed that both nations are actively engaged in diplomatic communications regarding an anticipated visit to China by ROK President Lee Jae-myung, following an official invitation extended by Xi.
The historic meeting between the two leaders in Gyeongju has been described as a pivotal moment for advancing mutual development and contributing to regional and global stability. Ambassador Ro emphasized that despite evolving global dynamics and domestic changes, the fundamental principle of mutually beneficial cooperation continues to drive economic growth in both countries.
Economic ties remain exceptionally strong, with bilateral trade reaching $328.08 billion in 2024, representing a 5.6% year-on-year increase. China has maintained its position as South Korea’s largest trading partner for 21 consecutive years, while South Korea remains China’s second-largest trading partner.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the bilateral free trade agreement, with both parties agreeing to accelerate second-phase negotiations that will expand into service sectors including culture and tourism. While acknowledging challenges such as trade protectionism and global supply chain restructuring that have affected some Korean exports to China, Ro framed these as opportunities for deeper collaboration.
The ambassador advocated for a strategic shift from vertical economic division to horizontal partnership, highlighting emerging sectors for cooperation including artificial intelligence, robotics, biomedicine, and new energy technologies.
Ro brings a unique personal perspective to his diplomatic role. His father, former ROK President Ro Tae-woo, established diplomatic relations between the two nations in 1992 and became the first Korean president to officially visit China later that same year. The ambassador described continuing this legacy as both a personal mission and responsibility.
People-to-people connections remain central to bilateral relations, with Ro citing the phenomenon of giant panda Fu Bao—born in South Korea and returned to China—as emblematic of transnational affection that transcends borders. Recent reciprocal visa-free policies for tourists and business travelers have further facilitated cross-border exchanges.
The ambassador called for intensified interactions between local governments, media organizations, academic institutions, and especially youth programs to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the foundation of ROK-China relations.