Seoul’s ministry denies news reports on impending free trade negotiations with China


President Lee Myung-bak will depart for China on Monday for a three-day state visit that includes talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, other top Beijing officials and business leaders, Cheong Wa Dae said Wednesday.

His second state visit to China was arranged at the invitation of the Chinese head of state. It comes as the two countries celebrate the 20th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations this year.

“During his visit to China this time, the two leaders will have in-depth discussions on ways to further develop the South Korea-China strategic partnership and exchange views on bilateral cooperation on the international stage as well as in East Asia,” the presidential office said in a press release.

In May 2008, the two leaders agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a “strategic partnership” to expand their cooperation, focused on economic ties, to a wide range of fields including security, political, cultural and international issues.

Their summit talks are drawing keen attention as it is the first summit meeting to discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula after North Korean ruler Kim Jong-il’s death last month.

Local media speculated that high on the agenda for the summit is expected to be the bilateral free trade agreement. Through their two summit talks in 2008, Lee and Hu agreed to study its feasibility.

Seoul’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the news reports that the two leaders may declare the official start of negotiations over the FTA after their talks next week.

“We are still coordinating with China over the agenda and have yet to make any decision (on the FTA issue),” the ministry told reporters.

“Before the opening of the FTA negotiations, there are domestic procedures to take in accordance with the local regulations, which include holding public hearings over it. We have yet to begin such procedures.”

The possibility of the South Korea-China FTA has been mentioned as the U.S. has been promoting the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement in what observers called part of its moves to keep China in check.

Lee is also to meet Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, National People’s Congress Chairman Wu Bangguo, and Chinese and Korean business leaders there, his office said.

“This is his first visit to a foreign country this year and for China, he is the first foreign head of state to visit. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, we believe this will serve as a crucial opportunity to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation,” it said.

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)