(LEAD) 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 to further advance ties 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 country for South Ko rea 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. President Yoon Suk Yeol (R) answers questions at the 47th Singapore Lecture at the Orchard Hotel Singapore on Oct. 9, 2024. (Yonhap) President Yoon Suk Yeol (R) answers questions at the 47th Singapore Lecture at the Orchard Hotel Singapore on Oct. 9, 2024. (Yonhap) Yoon vowed to expand engagement with Beijing as bilateral dialogue channels have been restored in light of the trilateral summit among South Korea, China and Japan in Seoul in May, which was held for the first time in 4 1/2 years. "In our relationship with China, communication channels at various levels are being restored, and I intend to fully restore and further expand these channels to ensure that issues can be resolved constructively," Yoon said. Regarding U.S.-China competition, Yoon said that when South Korea's nati onal interests are at stake, Seoul will honestly convey its position to both sides to ensure issues are addressed reasonably. Yoon was in Singapore ahead of his trip to Laos for participation in summits hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with a focus on addressing the challenges posed by North Korea. Seoul has urged Beijing to play a "constructive role" in addressing North Korea's nuclear threats, particularly amid heightened provocations from Pyongyang ahead of the U.S. elections. On Thursday, he is set to join the ASEAN Plus Three summit, which will include Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and ASEAN leaders. Yoon has not held a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping since taking office in May 2022. Source: Yonhap News Agency