Nankai News Network(Reporter Ma Chao，Photographer RenYonghua) On November. 27 and 28 ,the 2nd Sino-South Korea High-level Dialogue between the Think Tank of Nankai University and the East Asia Foundation was held at Nankai University. On Nov.27, the opening ceremony was held in Shiing-shen Chern Building. Attending the meeting were many political leaders and academicians at home and abroad, including Yan Qingmin, deputy mayor of Tianjin, Zhao Qizheng, member of the 11th session of the Standing Committee, director of Foreign Affairs Committee of the CPPCC and dean of Binhai Development Institute of Nankai University; Lee Hae-chan, member of 19th New Politics Alliance for Democracy and former Prime Minister of South Korea; O Kyu Kwon, former Deputy Prime Minister of Economy and Minister of Finance and Economy; Kim Sung-hwan, president of Gangwon Art & Culture Foundation and the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade .
Yan Qingmin met with Lee Hae-chanas and his delegation, and addressed in the opening ceremony, expressing his warm welcome for all the guests coming afar. He mentioned that it was the best time in the history for the two countries to develop friendly cooperative relations--our cooperation in bilateral trade, exchanges of tourism and ports was increasingly deepening. So far, Tianjin accommodates over 3000 South Korea’s companies and institutions, as well as more than 50,000 Korea’s citizens. Focusing on conducting a deeper discussion on peace, development and security, the dialogue is expected to promote communications and cooperation between high-level Think Tank, boost a closer and deeper economic and trade relations of the two countries, and it is hoped that all the experts and scholars will continually pay more attention to and provide more support for Tianjin’s reform and development. Tianjin Municipal Committee and Municipal Government will endeavor on offering convenient services for the building of Think Tank in order to facilitate the implementation of national strategy in Tianjin, achieving synergetic development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.
Lee Hae-chan stated that in recent years Tianjin, a city that has undergone tremendous changes, is viewed as the geopolitical center in Northeast Asia. Therefore, scholars and leaders of the two countries attending this high-level dialogue here, in Tianjin, is of great significance. Tianjin and South Korea are geographically close to each other across the sea, and share something in common such as people’s temper and culture. South Korea has decided to participate in AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) and Sino-Korea relations have been elevated to strategic partnerships. The promotion of “One belt and One Road” initiative by Chinese government will not only promote regional economic development, but also drive the development of Northeast Asia. Hope the meeting a great success.
President Gong Ke hosted the opening ceremony. Directors of International Academic Exchanges and Zhou Enlai School of Government, some faculties and students attended it. Gong Ke said the Sino- Korea High-level Dialogue between the Think Tank co-hosted by Nankai University and the East Asia Foundation of South Korea is a high-level platform built through joint efforts of the foundation and a Chinese higher institution. Based on the important status that Tianjin plays in China and Asia, especially its’ advantages in Northeast Asia’ s geopolitics and economy, the dialogue provides important policy advice and recommendations on how to build Tianjin a hub for cooperation between China and northeast Asia. Focusing on many important topics such as cooperation in northeast Asian area, Chinese political, economic and diplomatic security, prestigious experts and scholars of both countries will conduct an in-depth discussion. Hope it will provide an opportunity to further improve friendships between two countries and deepen mutual understanding so as to play a positive role in promoting mutual benefits and cooperation in northeast Asia.
Kim Sung-hwan addressed the opening ceremony in place of Ro-Myung Gong,the Chairman of the East Asia Foundation, who was absent for some reason. He said that it is the golden time to develop bilateral relations which has been unprecedentedly consolidated and improved. Therefore, both sides are expected to explore new plans of realizing rapid developments of both countries in an attempt to further promote the prosperity of northeast Asian area.
China, Japan and Korea jointly released their declaration on peace and cooperation. which helps promote peace and cooperation in northeastern Asia, enhance their mutual understanding, promote international and regional prosperity. This declaration also marks the full recovery of their desire for collaboration. Three parties can enhance their mutual trust by deepening their economic and cultural cooperation.
Xiao Jincheng, president of institute of regional economy under National Development and Reform Commission; Liu Gang, deputy president of Institute of Development for Binhai District; Li Yongyu, director of Department of Land Planning& Research under Land Development Research Institute; Li Pusheng, member of Institute of Motor Industry under Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea gave the following speeches respectively: “Tentative Analysis for the Idea of Integration of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei under This Government”, “Prospect into the New Energy Industry of Motor”, “Cases Explaining the Loose Restriction on Motor in Capital Circle of South Korea” and “Prospects into New Energy and Motor Industry Centered on Hydrogen-driven electric Motors”.
Guo Wanyi, director of Management Commission in Cangzhou Economic Development Zone commented on these speeches. He said this China-South Korea Think-tank Dialogue was a high-level dialogue. Both sides deeply exchanged their ideas on many issues, and explored the viable solutions to these issues, which contributed to the coordinated development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, that of relevant industries and newly established Cangzhou Economic Development Zone.
That afternoon, Chen Hai, deputy director of Foreign Ministry Asian Affairs, former Chinese counselor with the rank of minister to South Korea, gave his speech. According to his speech, China-South Bilateral relationship has entered into the best historical period since new governments of both sides are established. Currently, international situation is experiencing profound changes. Only by deepening their cooperation, can they achieve mutual-benefits and win-win results. Chenhai extended his ideas about further cooperation as follows: Jointly safeguard peaceful home of eastern Asia; vigorously open to each other and promote integrative development; Build the new platform which can bond innovative development strategy; Make their financing cooperation closer; Establish close links between their humanities.
Themed on "Promote Peace in Northeastern Asia-Cooperation on China-South Korea Diplomatic Security", "Build Prosperity in Northeastern Asia and Regional Cooperation-Ideas of China-South Korea Cooperation on better Northeastern Asia ", the attendees gave their speeches and exchanged their ideas.
Since 18th CPC National Congress, Tianjin has become a focus due to the superimposed effect of five strategic opportunities facing it. Tianjin, as the northeastern geopolitical center connecting China with Russia and Outer Mongolia, as well as Japan and South Korea, plays a significant role in international political affairs. Nankai University, located in Tianjin, devotes itself into serving national and regional social development continuously provides important suggestions for policy-making. Last year, Nankai University successfully held the first "China-South Korea Think-tank High-level Dialogue", based on this, it held such meeting again. Participants exchanged their in-depth views on important topics such as cooperation on development of northeastern regions, Chinese political and economic affairs and diplomatic securities, etc. By this chance, we hope to enhance our friendship, strengthen our mutual understanding, and contribute to mutual-benefit cooperation in northeast regions.