President Moon Jae-in on Dec. 13 speaks at a joint media conference after his bilateral summit with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia. (Cheong Wa Dae's official Facebook page)

By Kim Eun-young and Yoon Sojung

President Moon Jae-in, on a state visit to Australia, on Dec. 13 said his administration is not considering a diplomatic boycott of next year's Beijing Winter Olympics.

In a joint media conference after holding a bilateral summit with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Canberra, the president said Korea has received no recommendation to join the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Games from any country, including the U.S.

The president added that his state visit Down Under had nothing to do with Korea's stance on China.

Asked by an Australian journalist on how Korea and Australia can cooperate in responding to economic retaliation by China, President Moon said both Seoul and Canberra share the same values and highly similar geopolitical points of view.

Korea considers its alliance with the U.S. as the cornerstone of diplomacy and national security, he added, while stressing relations with China as also important from an economic perspective.

President Moon also said Korea has another thing to consider, namely peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, adding that China's constructive efforts are needed for the denuclearization of North Korea.

While building on its strong alliance with Washington, he said, Seoul is striving to maintain a harmonious relationship with Beijing.

President Moon said Korea clearly has had the problems of conflict and competition with China, citing climate change, supply chains and infectious diseases as global issues requiring cooperation.

President Moon Jae-in (right) on Dec. 14 holds talks with Anthony Albanese, leader of the main opposition Australian Labor Party, at a hotel in Sydney, Australia. (Yonhap News)

President Moon on Dec. 14 traveled to Sydney for talks with Anthony Albanese, leader of the main opposition Australian Labor Party.

President Moon said the policy of Albanese's party is in line with the Korean government's mindset, as the aim is to secure the lives of workers, protect jobs and pursue renewable energy, according to a written briefing by Cheong Wa Dae Spokesperson Park Kyung-mee.

President Moon said the labor party on the side of the underprivileged will play a major role in helping Australia achieve inclusive, sustainable recovery. He said he hopes that his party, which has greatly contributed to cooperation with Asian countries, will play a big role in joint prosperity between the two countries.

Albanese responded by saying both Korea and Australia have maintained a strong relationship under bipartisan support, adding that historically, the Australian Labor Party has emphasized solidarity with Asian countries.

He added that he believes the future of Australia is in Asia.

eykim86@korea.kr