Science ministry resumes ICT dialogue with China after eight years

South Korea's science ministry said Monday it resumed its information and communications technology (ICT) strategy dialogue with China in Beijing, eight years after the previous meeting, following a digital technology cooperation memorandum signed at January's bilateral summit.

The ministry said continued policy communication had become more necessary as the development and spread of digital technology created common opportunities and challenges for both countries.

The two sides shared policies on next-generation ICT development aimed at driving innovation across industry and the economy. They also agreed that stronger core-technology capabilities and international cooperation were important to maintaining leadership in digital technology, the ministry said.

The agenda included digital access for vulnerable groups, including older people and people with disabilities, and efforts to improve people's ability to use digital technology. The governments said they would continue exchanging relevant policies and experiences while exploring cooperation on digital inclusion.

The governments also agreed to continue communication on cooperation in efficient radio-spectrum use as next-generation networks change the spectrum environment.

"Korea and China, as countries leading the development of digital technology, need to share each other's policies and experiences and deepen mutual understanding," Bae Gyeong-hun, deputy prime minister and minister of science and ICT, said. "I hope the governments will continue communication so the two sides can jointly respond to the common opportunities and challenges of digital technology and broaden areas for mutually beneficial cooperation," he added.