Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday said he expected China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to speed up study of a China-ROK Free Trade Area (FTA).

"China and the ROK should come up with a win-win FTA proposal at an early date so as to pave the way for the FTA," Wen said in a joint interview with journalists from 19 ROK news organizations.

The interview came ahead of Wen's ROK trip scheduled for April 10-11, the first by a Chinese premier in eight years.

China appreciated the fact that the ROK recognized China as a full market economy, Wen said.

China-ROK trade volume has increased by 26 times since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1992, to 130 billion dollars in 2006.

"The close trade ties between China and the ROK are based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and complementarity," Wen said.

Wen cited a target set by Chinese President Hu Jintao and ROK President Roh Moon-hyun of trade worth 200 billion U.S. dollars by 2012.

The target was set by Hu and Roh during their meetings in 2005 and 2006.

Hu and Roh also agreed on five investment and trade liberalization measures and defined 12 key areas of cooperation.

"As a result of economic globalization, China-ROK trade ties have entered a new era, requiring us to expand cooperation, improve quality and cope with challenges together," Wen said.

Wen urged the two countries to work more closely on energy preservation, environmental protection, high-tech and information industry.

Wen also proposed the two countries step up consultations in the framework of the World Trade Organization, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and other international mechanisms.

Wen's two-day visit coincides with the China-ROK Exchange Year, which includes 47 China-sponsored exchange programs.

Wen will unveil the exchange year with ROK leaders in Seoul.

"I believe the exchange year will promote cultural exchanges between the two countries," Wen said.

On the six-party talks aimed at resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Wen said the relevant parties should consult further so that a peace mechanism can be established on the peninsula.

In response to a question about the unification of the Korean Peninsula, Wen said it would be up to the ROK and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to resolve the issue "independently and peacefully."

We hope the ROK and the DPRK will develop mutual trust and mend ties through negotiation and dialogue.

This is a pre-requisite for independent and peaceful unification, Wen said. "The Chinese government will continue to play a positive role in this regard."

Wen will visit the ROK at the invitation of ROK President Roh Moon-hyun.