YEOSU, South Korea, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The China pavilion at the Yeosu Expo hosted official events of "China National Day" on Thursday, attended by Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and South Korean Minister of Strategy and Finance Park Jae-wan.

In his speech at the ceremony, Wang said the Yeosu expo, under the theme of "The Living Ocean and Coast," will help people know the ocean, protect the ocean and make use of the ocean in a scientific way.

The world currently is facing serious challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, the shortage of resources and shrinking biodiversity, Wang said, noting that South Korea's ocean-themed expo will play a positive role in promoting harmonious coexistence of people and oceans, so as to better benefit humankind.

China is a major maritime country with more than 18,000 km of coastline and vast sea areas, Wang said. The Chinese government commits itself to firmly follow the route of scientific growth to protect the maritime ecosystems while developing the marine economy, so as to promote the sustainable development of oceans with other countries, he added.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-South Korea diplomatic ties, Wang said, hoping that the Yeosu expo will act as a platform to further promote friendship between the two peoples and push forward the two countries' strategic cooperative partnership.

On his part, Park said the two countries have seen great development in politics, economy, society and culture since they established diplomatic ties 20 years ago.

"One Ocean, One Home", the theme of the China pavilion at the expo, shows the concept of sustainable development that equally stresses on both development and protection, Park said, noting that the two countries should establish a green growth partnership based on the concept.

After the ceremony, Wang and guests from South Korea enjoyed the show of China National Day performed by Chinese artists, and visited the China pavilion, the South Korea pavilion and some corporate pavilions.

Wang arrived in Yeosu late Wednesday, and will leave for Beijing on Friday.

The Yeosu Expo opened on May 12 and will continue through August 12 in South Korea's southern coastal city of Yeosu, with the participation of a total of 104 countries and 10 international organizations.