On May 28, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with ROK President Lee Myung-bak in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Wen first extended his appreciation for the assistance offered by the ROK government and people for relief efforts following the massive earthquake that hit China's Sichuan Province on May 12. China and ROK, as good neighbors and influential nations in the same region, should work together in current new situations to cope with challenges and safeguard common interests. Wen said the establishment of the strategic cooperative partnership would help expand bilateral cooperation and promote the long-term stability and prosperity of northeast Asia. China is ready to work with ROK to enrich the strategic connotation of bilateral ties.

China and ROK, with fruitful cooperation in economy and trade, still enjoy potential prospects in this area. The two nations should speed up the research and discussion on the establishment of a free trade area, and make efforts to achieve win-win results, the premier said. Wen said China welcomed ROK business to expand investment fields in China, and especially hoped that the ROK business would increase cooperation with China in the high tech industry and take active part in China's development drive in the western region and China's strategy to revitalize the country's northeast. China would also encourage domestic companies to develop the market and make investment in the ROK, he noted.

Lee said the assistance offered to the earthquake-hit region indicated the ROK's sincerity as a friendly neighbor of China. The ROK side was ready to provide support to China within its capacity. The president believed that with the strong leadership of the Chinese government and united efforts of the whole nation, the Chinese people would be sure to win the battle against the disaster and rebuild their homeland. Lee also added that his current visit has scored positive results. The ROK is ready to join hands with China to build political trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation on economy, culture and other areas and further enhance mutual understanding and friendship between both peoples, so as to push for long-term common development of the two countries.

Both sides also exchanges views on international disaster relief cooperation, climate change and other issues.