Beijing: Defense officials from South Korea and China convened in Beijing on Thursday to discuss the potential resumption of joint maritime search and rescue exercises (SAREX) after a 15-year break. The talks marked a significant step towards reviving these cooperative efforts, which aim to enhance maritime safety and promote military exchanges between the two nations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the SAREX drills were initially launched in the Yellow Sea to foster humanitarian maritime cooperation, focusing on search and rescue missions. These exercises were held in 2005, 2007, and 2008, with the last session conducted in 2011. The recent discussions on reviving the drills took place during the 21st bilateral defense policy meeting, the first of its kind in over three years.

Both countries expressed positive sentiments towards resuming defense cooperation. They agreed to work together closely to restore strategic dialogue channels, while aiming to expand the scope of exchanges between their defense authorities. The meeting aligns with broader efforts by Seoul and Beijing to improve bilateral relations and address unresolved issues, following summit talks between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping in early January.