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BEIJING, Nov. 22-- China hopes the Republic of Korea (ROK) will continue to properly handle the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system issue, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday. Wang made the remarks during talks with his ROK counterpart Kang Kyung-wha. China values the ROK's three-point pledge that it will not add to the existing THAAD system, not participate in the U.S.-led missile defense system, and not develop the ROK-U.S.-Japan military alliance, as well as the ROK's vow of having no intention of harming China's security interests,Wang said. He called for joint efforts from the two sides to further increase mutual understanding, minimize their differences and create conditions for the full recovery of bilateral ties. Developing bilateral ties not only accords with the trend of history and the times, but meets the aspiration of both peoples, Wang said, calling for smooth development of bilateral ties on the basis of mutual trust and respect. Not long ago, leaders of the two countries met and clarified the direction for China-ROK relations, according to Wang. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. Wang urged the two sides to take the anniversary and the upcoming high-level exchanges as an opportunity, learn from experiences and make strategic plans. He expressed hope for more exchanges and communication, alignment of the two countries' development strategies under the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthened pragmatic cooperation and increased coordination in regional economic integration. | 
