Hu Jintao, "Controversial Goguryeo History Issue Will be Figured Out"

President Roh Moo-hyun yesterday met with Jia Qinglin, chairman of the People’s Political Consultative Conference of China at Cheong Wa Dae, and said, “It is very regrettable that China’s misrepresentation of the history of Goguryeo has been a controversy between the two countries recently.”

Roh also urged that the Chinese government should make prompt and appropriate measures to the issue of history distortion with consideration of the feelings of the Korean people and government.

Regarding Roh’s remarks, Jia said he was requested by Chinese President Hu Jintao, suggesting that no more conflicts between the two countries should come out from this controversial Goguryeo issue. “We don’t want to damage the relationship between China and Korea due to the history from 2,000 years ago,” Jia said. “The Chinese government will make efforts to figure out the problem with prudence and sincerity.”

In particular, Jia delivered Chinese President Hu’s message during the meeting, saying, “The relation between China and Korea these days has been more or less influenced by the controversial issue regarding Goguryeo history. If both China and Korea hold a general, long-term, and strategic stance, and respect each other while showing a sincere attitude, the two nations will be able to find out an appropriate solution.”

As leaders of the two nations confirmed their firm intention to figure out the issue of history distortion, the talks between diplomatic lines are likely to make rapid progress in the near future.

The Chinese leader also explained the recent status of Taiwan issue, and Roh confirmed his “One China policy” in response. President Roh also requested that Chinese President Hu make a visit to Korea some day.

Before the meeting with the Korean president, Jia visited the National Assembly in the morning yesterday and met with the Assembly Speaker Kim One-ki. During the meeting, Kim pointed out, “There are some misinterpretations about ancient Goguryeo in middle schools’ textbooks,” however Jia replied he swore it was not true.

Jung-Hun Kim Seung-Heon Lee jnghn@donga.com ddr@donga.com