President Lee: "China Relations Exist in Aspects of Competition, Cooperation, and Confrontation… Managed with Comprehensive Consideration"

[Financial News] President Lee Jae-myung stated in an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun that "The relationship between the Republic of Korea and China exists in aspects of competition, cooperation, confrontation, and antagonism. It must be managed with comprehensive consideration of various aspects."
President Lee mentioned in the interview with Yomiuri Shimbun released on the 21st that "China is a geographically and economically inseparable close entity," expressing this view.
Regarding Korea-Japan relations, President Lee pointed out that "aspects of confrontation and cooperation, coexistence, and tolerance exist simultaneously," emphasizing that "it is important to find mutually beneficial points to the maximum extent."
President Lee explained, "On the other hand, the historical issues between Korea and Japan, which are the biggest problems, are also important," stressing the need to "accurately face the facts and work to resolve them within a range that does not cause harm to each other."
However, President Lee stated, "We should not be too absorbed in the problems," and highlighted the need to "acknowledge reality, respect each other, and maximize mutually beneficial actions."
Regarding the Korea-Japan summit, President Lee expressed hope that "Korea-Japan relations will transform into a mutually beneficial relationship," and stated, "We aim to continue the Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Declaration and create a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship that surpasses it. We intend to face the past but exercise wisdom to move forward into the future."
President Lee mentioned the trilateral cooperation between Korea, the United States, and Japan, stating, "We should deepen cooperation in security aspects between Korea and Japan, and also continuously strengthen the Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation," emphasizing that "this is an important task to protect the safety and national interests of the three countries' citizens, and for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia."
Furthermore, President Lee added, "Managing relations with China, Russia, and North Korea is also important," and emphasized that "for this, the cooperation between Korea-U.S., Korea-Japan, and Korea-U.S.-Japan should serve as a solid foundation."

syj@fnnews.com Seo Young-jun Reporter