Xi says China supports peaceful reunification of Korean Peninsula

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has said that China supports the final independent and peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula and is willing to play a positive role in promoting it, Chinese media reported.

In a meeting with Kim Moo-sung, a special envoy of South Korean President-elect Park Geun-hye on Jan. 23, Xi called for comprehensive treatment of tensions on the peninsula, according to the Global Times affiliated with the People's Daily.

Maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula is "in line with the fundamental interests" of China and South Korea, Xi was quoted as saying.

Xi, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, said that the problems on the peninsula should be solved through addressing both the symptoms and root causes.

In a letter conveyed by the envoy to Xi, Park said she hopes to make joint efforts with China for the peninsula’s stability and peace, and prosperity in Northeast Asia, the report said.

Park is set to be sworn in as the country's first female president on Feb. 25.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com