Xi holds talks with South Korean president-elect over phone

Xi extended congratulations to Yoon on his election as South Korean president.

According to him, China and South Korea are permanent close neighbours that cannot move away, as well as inseparable partners.

He said that China always attached importance to its relations with South Korea.

With the joint efforts from both sides, bilateral relations have developed rapidly in an all-around way, and the two countries have become strategic partners, Xi said.

Xi said facts have proved that the development of China-South Korea relations conforms to the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, and promotes regional peace and development.

He said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, and urged both sides to take it as an opportunity to uphold mutual respect.

According to him, it is also an opportunity to strengthen political mutual trust, enhance people-to-people friendship and push for the steady and long-term development of China-South Korea relations.

Xi stressed that at present, the international community was facing multiple challenges, saying that China and South Korea bear responsibility in maintaining regional peace and promoting world prosperity.

He said the Chinese side was ready to work with South Korea in strengthening international and regional cooperation and making active efforts to ensure the stability and smoothness of the global industrial and supply chains.

Xi also called for safeguarding the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law, and promoting the construction of a fairer and rational global governance system.