On August 31, 2012, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping attended a reception to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK). The reception was co-held by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Beijing. Before the beginning of the reception, Xi Jinping met with delegates on both sides from China-Korea Expert Joint Research Project and took group photos with them. Later, Xi stepped into the reception site amidst warm applause. Xi watched an unveiling ceremony for commemorative books and envelopes marking the 20th anniversary of China-ROK diplomatic ties and cut a cake to celebrate the anniversary. He also watched wonderful art performances with strong Chinese and ROK national flavor. The warm and friendly atmosphere runs throughout the reception.

CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin said at the reception that this year marks the 20th anniversary of China-ROK diplomatic ties and the China-South Korea Friendly Exchange Year. Vice President Xi's attendance fully showed that the Chinese government attaches great importance to developing bilateral, good-neighborly and friendly relations with the ROK, she said, noting that promoting friendship between the two countries is the common aspiration of the two peoples. China is ready to work with the ROK to push forward the good-neighborly and friendly cooperative relations.

The ROK's Ambassador to China Lee Kyu-hyung thanked for Xi's attendance at the reception and spoke highly of the enormous achievements made since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. He said he expects the two countries will always be good neighbors and will create a future of peace, stability and prosperity.

Luo Haocai, Honorary President of the China-ROK Friendship Association, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Wang Jiarui, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, NPC Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Li Zhaoxing, Li Haifeng, director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, and First Secretary Lu Hao of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China attended the reception.

The reception was also attended by more than 400 guests, including friendly personages, diplomats and businesspeople.