Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) should jointly oppose trade protectionism during talks with ROK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in Beijing.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China and ROK have benefited from economic globalization.

Amid rising unilateralism and acts of bullying in today's world, Wang stressed that the two sides should jointly oppose trade protectionism and defend the global system of free trade.

Wang said China maintains stability and continuity in its policy towards the ROK, expressing hope that the two sides will treat each other with sincerity, enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation and achieve win-win results, while properly addressing sensitive issues.

During the meeting, Wang also said that China is willing to work with the international community, including the ROK, to defend the UN-centered international system and the outcomes of victory in World War II.

Noting that the ROK values the momentum in improving bilateral relations, Cho said the ROK is willing to further strengthen high-level exchanges with China, deepen cooperation in trade, culture and other areas, and accelerate negotiations on the ROK-China and ROK-China-Japan free trade agreements.

Both sides agreed to coordinate and support each other in holding the APEC meetings. The ROK and China will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting this year and next year respectively.