Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who is on a visit to China, carried out schedules related to people-to-people exchanges and high-tech industries on his second day in the country.

Prime Minister Kim visited Tsinghua University in Beijing this morning (June 23) and met with Party Secretary Qiu Yong to discuss ways to develop bilateral relations.

Tsinghua University is renowned for nurturing talent in science and engineering, and is also the alma mater of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Prime Minister Kim also earned a master's degree in law from the university.

An official from the Prime Minister's Office said that during a closed-door meeting, Kim remarked, "It is so wonderful to visit," adding, "(studying here) is one of the most beautiful memories of my life."

He continued, "While I have a personal connection to Tsinghua, it is also an important university that produces the leadership guiding China's present and future. I came here to encourage South Korean students studying abroad and to contemplate how to further develop South Korea-China relations."

Kim also noted that despite various ups and downs since the establishment of diplomatic ties, South Korea-China relations have continued to grow positively, expressing hope that this upward trend will persist.

The official added that Kim emphasized the importance of youth exchanges for the development of bilateral relations.

In response, Party Secretary Qiu Yong welcomed Kim, saying, "The Prime Minister is part of the Tsinghua family," and "We are delighted to welcome you back home."

Qiu also reportedly spoke highly of Kim's visit, stating that it demonstrates the Prime Minister's deep commitment to the development of bilateral relations.

Following the meeting, Kim made a separate visit to the law school building where he had studied.

The university presented him with a gift: a group photo from his student days.

Kim wrote in the university's guestbook, "I am truly delighted to return to Tsinghua University, a place of precious connections. Let us open the future of friendly cooperation between South Korea and China together in the spirit of self-reliance and inclusivity."


Kim then visited the Zhongguancun National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone Exhibition Center, where he was briefed by officials on cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

Zhongguancun is often referred to as China's Silicon Valley.

After the tour, Kim met with reporters and shared his impressions, saying, "I was able to reconfirm that China's science and technology have reached an advanced level." He added, "There are areas where we have developed just as strongly, such as physical AI and robotic hands, and it would be beneficial for us to learn from each other, cooperate, and advance together."

A warm atmosphere was also felt when it stopped raining just before his visit. Kim made a lighthearted remark, saying, "Zhongguancun's technology has advanced so much that it can even make the rain come and go," to which a Chinese official warmly responded, "The rain stopped because the Prime Minister is here."

(Photo: Courtesy of the Prime Minister's Office, Yonhap News)