The Twentieth Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations

A Photo Exhibition

On August 24, 1992, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) established formal diplomatic relations. The normalization of relations between the former Korean War enemies symbolized the end of the Cold War. It was also the culmination of the ROK’s “Nordpolitik” and the PRC’s “Reform and Open” policy.

Since normalization, the ROK and PRC have made tremendous strides in all aspects of their relations. Currently, the two countries enjoy a “strategic cooperative partnership” while economically, their bilateral trade has reached the 200 billion dollar mark. The ROK-PRC relationship has been both a source of unprecedented economic prosperity and continued regional stability in Northeast Asia.

The deepening of bilateral relations coinciding with the rapid expansion of both countries’ national power has also resulted in rising conflict across a range of fields, from trade and security, to history and culture. With the upcoming leadership transition in both nations later in the year, concerns about the future of the relationship is growing.

This photo exhibition is a retrospective on the history of ROK-PRC relations over the past twenty years, including its many milestones and setbacks, to help prepare for a better future for the two countries.