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Speaker meets with Chairman Li of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China
- Oct 14, 2022
- 8656
Speaker Kim Jin-pyo meets with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Li Zhanshu
- Speaker delivers his wish for President Xi Jinping’s visit to Korea in the near future
- Proposes a trilateral meeting of Speakers of South Korea, China, and Japan.
- Mentions that China should take bold steps to resume cultural content exchanges and underscores the need to ensure stable South Korea-China supply chains and progress in follow-up talk on the South Korea-China free-trade agreement.
- Highlights the value of communication between the two countries’ legislative bodies to prevent historical issues from evolving into political and diplomatic disputes
- Requests China’s support for Busan as World Expo 2030 venue.
- Speaker stresses the need for China’s constructive role and strategic South Korea-China communications for resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.
- Chairman Li promises to accurately report Speaker Kim’s request for President Xi’s visit to South Korea and expressess his wish for President Yoon Suk-yeol’s and Speaker Kim’s visit to China.
- Chairman Li says he will seriously review the proposal to hold the trilateral meeting.
- Chairman Li urges strengthening of bilateral cooperation to stabilize global supply chains and protect multilateralism and free trade.
Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Kim Jin-pyo met with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Li Zhanshu on September 16 at the National Assembly reception room.
The two heads of parliament celebrated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and discussed ways to build more robust bilateral relations for the coming 30 years.
*Chairman Li’s position is equivalent to Korea’s Speaker of the National Assembly. He is the third-highest official in the Chinese Communist Party following President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, and one of seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.
Chairman Li’s visit to Korea was realized through Speaker Kim’s official invitation to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and China. He is the first Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China to visit Korea since former Chairman Zhang Dejiang’s visit in 2015.
- Proposal to advance a South Korea-China summit and hold a trilateral meeting among Speakers of South Korea, China, and Japan
Speaker Kim delivered his wish for a visit by President Xi to South Korea in the near future and proposed staging a trilateral meeting among the Speakers of South Korea, China, and Japan.
He remarked, “The noteworthy forward leaps made in our bilateral relations across diverse sectors over the past three decades are unparalleled in history. I hope South Korea and China, as strategic partners, continue to develop mutual understanding and reciprocal cooperation to better respond to the fast-changing international landscape. To this end, the parliaments of our two countries must closely communicate and cooperate with one another.”
Chairman Li responded, “China and South Korea are good friends that are indispensable to each other. China places importance on further developing its friendship with South Korea and reinforcing strategic bilateral communication.”
Speaker Kim then added, “I expect Chairman Li’s visit will serve as a catalyst for resuming in-person exchanges between our two countries. I also hope that President Xi will be able to visit us in the near future.”
Chairman Li responded, “It is necessary to promote exchanges and communication among high-ranking officials of our two countries. I will accurately report to President Xi that you hope for his visit at the earliest time possible. President Xi is also expecting President Yoon Suk-yeol’s visit to China in the near future. He is awaiting your visit as well.”
Speaker Kim underlined the need for the two nations’ parliaments to contribute to Northeast Asia’s peace and stability and proposed staging a three-way meeting of the Speakers of South Korea, China, and Japan. He said, “We will communicate with Japan in a suitable method concerning this issue.”
Chairman Li responded, “We will seriously consider your proposal regarding the trilateral meeting.”
Speaker Kim stated, “Parliamentary exchanges are critical for driving our bilateral relations in a forward-looking direction. We should ensure regular exchanges between our two countries’ legislative bodies and rapidly resume the Republic of Korea-China Regular Inter-Parliamentary Exchange, which has been halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19.”
Chairman Li said, “I cannot agree more on the need to reinforce exchanges between our two nations’ legislative bodies. We should expand regular dialogue channels between our parliaments.”
The two countries’ parliaments have maintained regular exchanges since 2006, when their respective Deputy Speakers began to alternate visits to the partner country and hold joint meetings. In November 2021, the 12th joint meeting was held virtually. The South Korea-China Parliamentary Diplomacy Forum was launched in June 2019 but was halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19, following South Korean attendees’ visits to China in July and August of that year.
- Promoting cultural and personnel exchanges by lifting ban and expanding flights
Speaker Kim expressed his concern about the increasingly unfavorable views of China among Korean citizens, especially those in their 20s and 30s, saying, “Cultural content exchanges are the most effective way to narrow the psychological distance among our younger generations. China should take bold steps to unbolt its door.”
He added, “The imbalance between the share of Chinese films and dramas released in Korea and that of Korean films and dramas released in China has been closely monitored by the National Assembly and press over the past few years.”
Speaker Kim proposed expanding South Korea-China flights to promote travel between the two countries, saying, “I hope direct flights between Incheon [airport] and Shanghai will resume soon and regular flights between our two countries will soon expand in view of the growing demand for travel.”
Chairman Li agreed on the need to expand cultural content exchange and swiftly expand flights. He said, “We should inject greater vitality into personnel and cultural exchanges through diverse events, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of our diplomatic relations and the Year of China-South Korea Cultural Exchanges. We are willing to review and implement the expansion of air routes and streamlining of entry procedures, provided that infection control and safety are ensured.”
- Ensuring stable South Korea-China supply chains for raw materials and parts and reinforcing environmental cooperation
Speaker Kim stressed that strengthened bilateral cooperation in the areas of the economy and environment is necessary to enable the public to enjoy the related benefits in their daily lives. The two sides discussed ways to stably manage supply chains, pursue follow-up negotiations for the service and investment sectors of the South Korea-China free trade agreement, and expand cooperation on environmental issues such as fine dust pollution and carbon neutrality.
Speaker Kim expressed his gratitude for China’s cooperation on the shortage of urea solution last year and stated, “We should cooperate with each other more systematically to ensure stable South Korea-China supply chains for raw materials and parts,” and added: “We should also accelerate follow-up negotiations on the South Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to expand the mutual opening of the culture and service sectors.”
Chairman Li responded, “Our two countries must work to protect the stability of global supply chains. I hope the desired outcomes will be achieved from follow-up negotiations on the South Korea-China FTA.” He then added, “We need to reinforce cooperation and exchanges on advanced technologies, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. China wishes to more closely collaborate with Korea on climate change, infectious diseases, energy, and food security within a multilateral framework and jointly uphold multilateralism and the free trade system.”
In terms of environmental cooperation, Speaker Kim stated, “Environmental issues are directly related to the health and quality of life of our current and future generations. We must closely communicate at the parliamentary level to resolve fine dust pollution and achieve carbon neutrality.”
Chairman Li said, “We should work together to resolve fine dust pollution and smog issues to improve air quality for the people of both countries.”
- Cooperation on preserving Korean historic sites in China
Speaker Kim and Chairman Li also discussed cooperation to preserve Korean historic sites within China as well as the need to approach historical issues based on the bilateral verbal agreement concerning the ancient Goguryeo dynasty in August 2004.
Speaker Kim said, “Historical issues are related to our national identity. It is important to objectively identify the facts and convey them to the younger generations. As we consented in a verbal agreement of August 2004, we must ensure that the friendship and cooperation between our two countries are not impaired by historical issues.” He added, “The legislative bodies of our two nations must actively communicate to prevent historical issues from developing into political and diplomatic disputes.”
He also requested China’s cooperation on preserving Korean historic sites within China, saying: “The South Korean government plans to preserve the Korean Empire legation [building] of the Qing dynasty, as the structure symbolizes the beginning of modern diplomatic relations between Korea and China. This project is expected to serve as valuable momentum for highlighting the longstanding footsteps of South Korea-China relations,” and called for Chairman Li’s support. Speaker Kim also requested Chairman Li’s interest in accelerating joint research on Sanyachiang in Hainan, where over 1,200 Joseon people who had been forcefully mobilized by Imperial Japan are purported to be buried.
Chairman Li responded, “I will look into the matter more closely and ensure continued communication between our two countries. We began research on Sanyachiang and are willing to discuss joint research activities with South Korea.”
- Requesting support for Busan’s bid to host World Expo 2030
Speaker Kim said, “South Korea set up the second-largest booth at Expo 2010 Shanghai China after China’s booth and has energetically participated in and supported China’s international events such as the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. I ask for your interest in and China’s support for Busan’s bid for World Expo 2030 to help it make a larger contribution to the international community.” China has yet to openly express its support for a World Expo candidate city.
- Requesting China’s constructive role in advancing peace on the Korean Peninsula and resolving the North Korean nuclear issue
Speaker Kim asked China to play a constructive role in the peaceful, diplomatic resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, saying: “The South Korean government has outlined a bold initiative that offers extensive political, economic, and military programs in exchange for comprehensive denuclearization of North Korea. We ask for China’s support in eliciting North Korea’s engagement in dialogue.”
Chairman Li agreed that strategic bilateral communication is essential to stabilize the political situation on the Korean Peninsula and resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. He stated, “China will help improve inter-Korean relations through dialogue as a mutual friend of the two Koreas.”
- Strengthening consistent communication on regional issues based on the principles of openness, inclusion, and transparency
The two Speakers exchanged opinions on various issues of mutual concern, particularly those of regional concern. In explaining South Korea’s position on specific issues, Speaker Kim said, “We strive to make the best decisions on specific issues based on our national interest; in line with the principles of openness, inclusion, and transparency; and in consideration of reciprocal cooperation and coprosperity.”
Both sides agreed that the two countries should expand regular communication based on a spirit of mutual respect for each other.
Following the meeting, the two Speakers moved to the adjacent hall for a joint press conference where they once again highlighted the need to enhance reciprocal cooperation to advance mutual understanding amid a fast-changing political environment, and open a new chapter in bilateral relations for the coming three decades.
The two Speakers are scheduled to attend a dinner held at Speaker Kim’s official residence at 18:00 the same day and discuss more issues in depth.
The meeting attendees were Secretary General of the National People’s Congress Yang Zhenwu, Director of the Judicial Inspection Committee Wu Liang, Director of the Financial and Economic Committee Xu Shaoshi, Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Yesui, as well as Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Jianghao from the Chinese side. From the Korean side, Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly Kim Young-joo and Chung Jin-suk, Floor Leader of the People Power Party Kweon Seong-dong, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee Yun Jae-ok, Secretary General of the National Assembly Lee Kwang-jae, and Chief Secretary for the Speaker of the National Assembly Park Kyung-mee attended.
Chairman Li’s visit marks the second by a top-ranking parliamentarian of a surrounding country since Speaker Kim’s inauguration, following Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi’s visit in August. Speaker Kim has always highlighted the need to expand the role of the National Assembly from that of diplomacy and mere supporter of the government’s policies into a platform for promoting national interests, and to exercise tailored policy, economic, and sales diplomacy as aims of parliamentary diplomacy.
With Speaker Pelosi, Speaker Kim discussed parliamentary cooperation on security and economic development in the Indo-Pacific region as well as climate change. He also successfully arranged Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates’ visit to the National Assembly during which they discussed international healthcare cooperation.
Soon after his inauguration, the Speaker visited Poland and Romania and contributed to South Korea’s engagement in new nuclear power plant construction projects (worth KRW 65 trillion for Poland and KRW 11 trillion for Romania). He also obtained Poland’s and Romania’s de facto support for Busan’s bid for World Expo 2030, as well as support from President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa during his recent visit to Portugal.
Speaker Kim plans to establish an economic and diplomatic advisory committee and parliamentary diplomacy advisory committee within the National Assembly and collaborate with national policy research institutions (the National Research Council for Economics, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information; etc.) to elevate parliamentary diplomacy to new heights.
- Speaker delivers his wish for President Xi Jinping’s visit to Korea in the near future
- Proposes a trilateral meeting of Speakers of South Korea, China, and Japan.
- Mentions that China should take bold steps to resume cultural content exchanges and underscores the need to ensure stable South Korea-China supply chains and progress in follow-up talk on the South Korea-China free-trade agreement.
- Highlights the value of communication between the two countries’ legislative bodies to prevent historical issues from evolving into political and diplomatic disputes
- Requests China’s support for Busan as World Expo 2030 venue.
- Speaker stresses the need for China’s constructive role and strategic South Korea-China communications for resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.
- Chairman Li promises to accurately report Speaker Kim’s request for President Xi’s visit to South Korea and expressess his wish for President Yoon Suk-yeol’s and Speaker Kim’s visit to China.
- Chairman Li says he will seriously review the proposal to hold the trilateral meeting.
- Chairman Li urges strengthening of bilateral cooperation to stabilize global supply chains and protect multilateralism and free trade.
Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Kim Jin-pyo met with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Li Zhanshu on September 16 at the National Assembly reception room.
The two heads of parliament celebrated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and discussed ways to build more robust bilateral relations for the coming 30 years.
*Chairman Li’s position is equivalent to Korea’s Speaker of the National Assembly. He is the third-highest official in the Chinese Communist Party following President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, and one of seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.
Chairman Li’s visit to Korea was realized through Speaker Kim’s official invitation to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and China. He is the first Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China to visit Korea since former Chairman Zhang Dejiang’s visit in 2015.
- Proposal to advance a South Korea-China summit and hold a trilateral meeting among Speakers of South Korea, China, and Japan
Speaker Kim delivered his wish for a visit by President Xi to South Korea in the near future and proposed staging a trilateral meeting among the Speakers of South Korea, China, and Japan.
He remarked, “The noteworthy forward leaps made in our bilateral relations across diverse sectors over the past three decades are unparalleled in history. I hope South Korea and China, as strategic partners, continue to develop mutual understanding and reciprocal cooperation to better respond to the fast-changing international landscape. To this end, the parliaments of our two countries must closely communicate and cooperate with one another.”
Chairman Li responded, “China and South Korea are good friends that are indispensable to each other. China places importance on further developing its friendship with South Korea and reinforcing strategic bilateral communication.”
Speaker Kim then added, “I expect Chairman Li’s visit will serve as a catalyst for resuming in-person exchanges between our two countries. I also hope that President Xi will be able to visit us in the near future.”
Chairman Li responded, “It is necessary to promote exchanges and communication among high-ranking officials of our two countries. I will accurately report to President Xi that you hope for his visit at the earliest time possible. President Xi is also expecting President Yoon Suk-yeol’s visit to China in the near future. He is awaiting your visit as well.”
Speaker Kim underlined the need for the two nations’ parliaments to contribute to Northeast Asia’s peace and stability and proposed staging a three-way meeting of the Speakers of South Korea, China, and Japan. He said, “We will communicate with Japan in a suitable method concerning this issue.”
Chairman Li responded, “We will seriously consider your proposal regarding the trilateral meeting.”
Speaker Kim stated, “Parliamentary exchanges are critical for driving our bilateral relations in a forward-looking direction. We should ensure regular exchanges between our two countries’ legislative bodies and rapidly resume the Republic of Korea-China Regular Inter-Parliamentary Exchange, which has been halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19.”
Chairman Li said, “I cannot agree more on the need to reinforce exchanges between our two nations’ legislative bodies. We should expand regular dialogue channels between our parliaments.”
The two countries’ parliaments have maintained regular exchanges since 2006, when their respective Deputy Speakers began to alternate visits to the partner country and hold joint meetings. In November 2021, the 12th joint meeting was held virtually. The South Korea-China Parliamentary Diplomacy Forum was launched in June 2019 but was halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19, following South Korean attendees’ visits to China in July and August of that year.
- Promoting cultural and personnel exchanges by lifting ban and expanding flights
Speaker Kim expressed his concern about the increasingly unfavorable views of China among Korean citizens, especially those in their 20s and 30s, saying, “Cultural content exchanges are the most effective way to narrow the psychological distance among our younger generations. China should take bold steps to unbolt its door.”
He added, “The imbalance between the share of Chinese films and dramas released in Korea and that of Korean films and dramas released in China has been closely monitored by the National Assembly and press over the past few years.”
Speaker Kim proposed expanding South Korea-China flights to promote travel between the two countries, saying, “I hope direct flights between Incheon [airport] and Shanghai will resume soon and regular flights between our two countries will soon expand in view of the growing demand for travel.”
Chairman Li agreed on the need to expand cultural content exchange and swiftly expand flights. He said, “We should inject greater vitality into personnel and cultural exchanges through diverse events, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of our diplomatic relations and the Year of China-South Korea Cultural Exchanges. We are willing to review and implement the expansion of air routes and streamlining of entry procedures, provided that infection control and safety are ensured.”
- Ensuring stable South Korea-China supply chains for raw materials and parts and reinforcing environmental cooperation
Speaker Kim stressed that strengthened bilateral cooperation in the areas of the economy and environment is necessary to enable the public to enjoy the related benefits in their daily lives. The two sides discussed ways to stably manage supply chains, pursue follow-up negotiations for the service and investment sectors of the South Korea-China free trade agreement, and expand cooperation on environmental issues such as fine dust pollution and carbon neutrality.
Speaker Kim expressed his gratitude for China’s cooperation on the shortage of urea solution last year and stated, “We should cooperate with each other more systematically to ensure stable South Korea-China supply chains for raw materials and parts,” and added: “We should also accelerate follow-up negotiations on the South Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to expand the mutual opening of the culture and service sectors.”
Chairman Li responded, “Our two countries must work to protect the stability of global supply chains. I hope the desired outcomes will be achieved from follow-up negotiations on the South Korea-China FTA.” He then added, “We need to reinforce cooperation and exchanges on advanced technologies, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. China wishes to more closely collaborate with Korea on climate change, infectious diseases, energy, and food security within a multilateral framework and jointly uphold multilateralism and the free trade system.”
In terms of environmental cooperation, Speaker Kim stated, “Environmental issues are directly related to the health and quality of life of our current and future generations. We must closely communicate at the parliamentary level to resolve fine dust pollution and achieve carbon neutrality.”
Chairman Li said, “We should work together to resolve fine dust pollution and smog issues to improve air quality for the people of both countries.”
- Cooperation on preserving Korean historic sites in China
Speaker Kim and Chairman Li also discussed cooperation to preserve Korean historic sites within China as well as the need to approach historical issues based on the bilateral verbal agreement concerning the ancient Goguryeo dynasty in August 2004.
Speaker Kim said, “Historical issues are related to our national identity. It is important to objectively identify the facts and convey them to the younger generations. As we consented in a verbal agreement of August 2004, we must ensure that the friendship and cooperation between our two countries are not impaired by historical issues.” He added, “The legislative bodies of our two nations must actively communicate to prevent historical issues from developing into political and diplomatic disputes.”
He also requested China’s cooperation on preserving Korean historic sites within China, saying: “The South Korean government plans to preserve the Korean Empire legation [building] of the Qing dynasty, as the structure symbolizes the beginning of modern diplomatic relations between Korea and China. This project is expected to serve as valuable momentum for highlighting the longstanding footsteps of South Korea-China relations,” and called for Chairman Li’s support. Speaker Kim also requested Chairman Li’s interest in accelerating joint research on Sanyachiang in Hainan, where over 1,200 Joseon people who had been forcefully mobilized by Imperial Japan are purported to be buried.
Chairman Li responded, “I will look into the matter more closely and ensure continued communication between our two countries. We began research on Sanyachiang and are willing to discuss joint research activities with South Korea.”
- Requesting support for Busan’s bid to host World Expo 2030
Speaker Kim said, “South Korea set up the second-largest booth at Expo 2010 Shanghai China after China’s booth and has energetically participated in and supported China’s international events such as the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. I ask for your interest in and China’s support for Busan’s bid for World Expo 2030 to help it make a larger contribution to the international community.” China has yet to openly express its support for a World Expo candidate city.
- Requesting China’s constructive role in advancing peace on the Korean Peninsula and resolving the North Korean nuclear issue
Speaker Kim asked China to play a constructive role in the peaceful, diplomatic resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, saying: “The South Korean government has outlined a bold initiative that offers extensive political, economic, and military programs in exchange for comprehensive denuclearization of North Korea. We ask for China’s support in eliciting North Korea’s engagement in dialogue.”
Chairman Li agreed that strategic bilateral communication is essential to stabilize the political situation on the Korean Peninsula and resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. He stated, “China will help improve inter-Korean relations through dialogue as a mutual friend of the two Koreas.”
- Strengthening consistent communication on regional issues based on the principles of openness, inclusion, and transparency
The two Speakers exchanged opinions on various issues of mutual concern, particularly those of regional concern. In explaining South Korea’s position on specific issues, Speaker Kim said, “We strive to make the best decisions on specific issues based on our national interest; in line with the principles of openness, inclusion, and transparency; and in consideration of reciprocal cooperation and coprosperity.”
Both sides agreed that the two countries should expand regular communication based on a spirit of mutual respect for each other.
Following the meeting, the two Speakers moved to the adjacent hall for a joint press conference where they once again highlighted the need to enhance reciprocal cooperation to advance mutual understanding amid a fast-changing political environment, and open a new chapter in bilateral relations for the coming three decades.
The two Speakers are scheduled to attend a dinner held at Speaker Kim’s official residence at 18:00 the same day and discuss more issues in depth.
The meeting attendees were Secretary General of the National People’s Congress Yang Zhenwu, Director of the Judicial Inspection Committee Wu Liang, Director of the Financial and Economic Committee Xu Shaoshi, Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Yesui, as well as Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Jianghao from the Chinese side. From the Korean side, Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly Kim Young-joo and Chung Jin-suk, Floor Leader of the People Power Party Kweon Seong-dong, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee Yun Jae-ok, Secretary General of the National Assembly Lee Kwang-jae, and Chief Secretary for the Speaker of the National Assembly Park Kyung-mee attended.
Chairman Li’s visit marks the second by a top-ranking parliamentarian of a surrounding country since Speaker Kim’s inauguration, following Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi’s visit in August. Speaker Kim has always highlighted the need to expand the role of the National Assembly from that of diplomacy and mere supporter of the government’s policies into a platform for promoting national interests, and to exercise tailored policy, economic, and sales diplomacy as aims of parliamentary diplomacy.
With Speaker Pelosi, Speaker Kim discussed parliamentary cooperation on security and economic development in the Indo-Pacific region as well as climate change. He also successfully arranged Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates’ visit to the National Assembly during which they discussed international healthcare cooperation.
Soon after his inauguration, the Speaker visited Poland and Romania and contributed to South Korea’s engagement in new nuclear power plant construction projects (worth KRW 65 trillion for Poland and KRW 11 trillion for Romania). He also obtained Poland’s and Romania’s de facto support for Busan’s bid for World Expo 2030, as well as support from President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa during his recent visit to Portugal.
Speaker Kim plans to establish an economic and diplomatic advisory committee and parliamentary diplomacy advisory committee within the National Assembly and collaborate with national policy research institutions (the National Research Council for Economics, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information; etc.) to elevate parliamentary diplomacy to new heights.
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