But China and ROK will have to 'compromise to reach consensus'

SEOUL / BEIJING - China and the Republic of Korea (ROK), two of Asia's largest economies, are expected to kick off formal talks on establishing a free trade area (FTA) this year or in the first half of next year in a bid to boost trade ties and regional integration, Premier Wen Jiabao said on Friday.

The Foreign Ministry issued the statement after Wen met ROK President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul, the first stop in the Chinese premier's weeklong Asia tour, which will also take him to Japan, Mongolia and Myanmar.