Chinese experts on Korean affairs have voiced caution in seeking a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea.

According to a report by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, Chinese experts cited that despite being close allies, South Korea and the United States have recently witnessed a strain in their ties due to the beef imports dispute.

Chinese experts said it has only been 16 years since Seoul and Beijing established diplomatic ties, citing that the two countries were mired in a trade dispute over garlic back in July of 2000. The experts said a deep understanding of the two nation’s economies and cultures is crucial before seeking free trade talks.

The Chinese also raised concerns that Seoul and Beijing may face problems in their free trade talks due to lack of experience, noting that problems had arisen even with the U.S., which is regarded as having vast knowledge of free trade pacts.