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Asked about how countries should deal with China’s economic coercion,Mr Moon said South Korea and Australia upheld the “same values and on our position in terms of the geopolitical situation,we are like-minded”.
Mr Moon said his nation’s alliance with the US was the “basis of our diplomacy” and “security affairs” and its the relationship with China was “important”.
But,he said,South Korea also had to take into account “peace and security on the Korean Peninsula” and the “de-nuclearisation” of North Korea”.
“We need the constructive efforts of China to enable de-nuclearisation of DPRK. Therefore,Korea is focused on the steadfast alliance with the US and also with China,” he said.
“And,of course,with regard to the relationship with China,there may be certain conflicts and there may be some issues of competition. However,if you look at climate change and the supply chain issue and also in terms of pandemic and infectious diseases,there are global challenges,and these are domains where we do need to engage in cooperation and collaboration.”
Mr Moon also confirmed his government was not considering following Australia,the US,Britain and Canada in imposing a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics,to be held in February.
Countries throughout the region are growing increasingly concerned about escalating tensions in the region including in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.
After Chinese military aircraft this year increased their incursions into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone,Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton last month said if the US committed forces to defend island,it would be“inconceivable” that Australia would not join in.
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Mr Moon said maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait was “critical if we also want the peace and security on the Korean Peninsula,and it is closely related”.
Mr Morrison said South Korea had a “very important role to play” in calming tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
“It does have its own unique standing within the region and its own relationships with each of the key principles that are engaged in that issue,” he said.
“Equally,Korea also has a very strong and open dialogue with China.”
Mr Moon and Mr Morrison signed the $1 billion defence contract for South Korean defence giant Hanwha to build 30 self-propelled howitzers and 15 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles for the army in Geelong.
Hanwha is also vying for a $30 billion contract to build new infantry fighting vehicles for the Australian Army.
The two leaders also finalised an agreement to create an Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Geelong,and elevated their ties to the status of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
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