Yoon says S. Korea common interest with China on ‘rules-based order’

President Yoon Suk Yeol said Wednesday that South Korea aims to foster "rules-based" cooperation with China and resolve misunderstandings through "prompt and honest" dialogue. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining close communication with Beijing in light of the intensifying rivalry between South Korea's key ally, the United States, and China. "The United States is our only ally that has significantly helped in defending our freedom," Yoon said during Singapore Lecture hosted by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. "The foundation of South Korea's diplomacy and foreign policy lies in the South Korea-U.S. alliance." Although China fought on the side of North Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War, Yoon expressed South Korea's readiness to move forward, emphasizing the need to develop relations with China and seek common interests based on a "rules-based international order." "Instead of being trapped in the past, we must focus on the future. There is no doubt that China is a very important c ountry for South Korea in all areas, including security, the economy and investment," Yoon said. "We are working to shape our relationship with China through constructive engagement that promotes a rational, rule-based global order," he added. Source: Yonhap News Agency