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Jeju City to help aid China-ROK exchanges

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-04-06 11:19

JEJU, ROK: The tourist destination of Jeju may play a bigger role for advancing cultural exchanges between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Li Changchun, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), visited Jeju on Saturday as the first stop on his trip to the ROK.

Li Changchun (C), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, makes kimchi with local citizens, in Jeju, the Republic of Korea (ROK), April 4, 2009. [Xinhua]

"Jeju plays a unique role in China-ROK friendly exchanges and cooperation, so I hope Jeju can contribute more to the non-governmental exchanges between our two countries," said Li.

Jeju, a tourist destination, has formed a sistership with China's Hainan province, an island also known for its tourist destinations.

While meeting Jeju Governor Kim Tae Hwan, Li said China and the ROK are close neighbors. Since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 17 years ago, bilateral relations have witnessed rapid growth in political, economic and cultural areas, Li said. Such development "has brought pragmatic benefits to our two peoples," he said.

During his stay, Li also visited a park dedicated to legendary figure Xu Fu. Qinshihuang, China's first emperor, sent Xu Fu on a mission eastward to seek an elixir of life, and his journey included visiting a port in Jeju. To commemorate the event and recognize the China-Korea cultural exchange, local government and a friendly organization co-funded the building of a park.

In another development, Li said yesterday that China and the ROK could enhance cooperation in the automobile industry even amid the financial crisis, while visiting a Hyundai Motors plant in Ulsan.

"More effort can be made to enhance cooperation in technological innovation, new-energy vehicles and other areas," he said. The ROK is the last leg of Li's four-nation tour, which has taken him to Australia, Myanmar and Japan.