Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Thursday that there were no
territorial issues between China and South Korea.
Wen, who gave a joint interview to 19 South Korean news agencies
Thursday afternoon ahead of his upcoming South Korea tour, was
replying to a question concerning the ancient Koguryo kingdom.
The Koguryo Kingdom (BC 37- 668 AD), believed to be the longest
regime in history founded by an ethnic minority in northeast China,
played a key role in the development of Northeast Asia.
Though destroyed over 1,300 years ago, the ruins of the
kingdom-- the capital city, fortifications, royal tombs and steles
– are still in good condition in Ji'an city, Jilin Province and in
neighboring Huanren county of Liaoning Province.
China and South Korea have enjoyed a shared history and cultural
and economic exchanges for thousands of years, said Wen.
"There are no territorial issues between the two countries,
which serves an important political foundation for bilateral
relations," the premier added.
He called on both sides to properly handle issues relating to
the Koguryo Kingdom. While doing research on ethnic movements and
territorial changes, the two sides should stick to the principle of
separating research from politics and reality from history, and
avoid any negative impact on bilateral relations.
Wen is scheduled to visit South Korea from April 10-11.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of China-South Korea
diplomatic ties and the China-South Korea Exchange Year.
(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2007)
