China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) will hold the first high-level strategic dialogue between diplomatic departments on Dec. 11, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman announced Tuesday.

Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told a regular press conference Tuesday afternoon that the dialogue will be held by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya and Vice Minister of ROK Foreign Affairs and Trade Kwon Jong-rak.

This dialogue was settled by Chinese President Hu Jintao and ROK President Lee Myung bak during Hu's state visit to ROK in August, which, through discussions on major issues of common concern, aimed at strengthening the two countries' communication on foreign policies and international situation.

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2008)