Kang Shin-cheol meets with Chinese Ambassador, "Heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula do not serve China's interests."

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Hyo-jung = The Ministry of National Defense announced that Minister of National Defense Kang Shin-cheol met with Chinese Ambassador to Korea Bae Dae-bi at the Ministry of National Defense building on the afternoon of the 20th and discussed Korea-China defense exchanges and cooperation and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Regarding the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula, Minister Kang emphasized that escalating tensions do not serve China's interests and requested the Chinese government to play a constructive role for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

There are observations that China is emphasizing an active role in a situation where tensions between North and South Korea are increasing due to North Korea's so-called 'border line fortification', such as the injury of South Korean soldiers from landmines planted by North Korea south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Minister Kang also explained Korea's position on China's activities in the Korea Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) and the West Sea, and emphasized the importance of close communication between the two countries.

Ambassador Dive agreed with this and expressed his hope that the two countries would revitalize dialogue and communication in the fields of diplomacy and security.

The air defense identification zone is an arbitrary line established to early identify and respond to military aircraft approaching its airspace. It is international practice for military aircraft entering another country's air defense identification zone to submit a flight plan in advance to that country and notify the location upon entry.

However, China and Russia enter military aircraft into KADIZ once or twice a year in the name of joint training, but do not provide prior notice.

Minister Kang said that Korea-China relations have continued to develop since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and requested active support from China to promote Korea-China defense exchanges and cooperation based on good neighborliness and trust.

Ambassador Dae-bi, who congratulated Minister Kang on his inauguration, said that he hopes to further revitalize exchange and cooperation in the defense field as the Korean-Chinese leaders have recently visited each other within a short period of time and the relationship between Korea and China is developing.

Minister Kang, who took office last month, also previously met with U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel and Japanese Ambassador to Korea Koichi Mizushima.