Trade between China and South Korea is likely to surpass 100 billion US dollars in 2005, 13 years after diplomatic ties were established.

　　The South Korean Ambassador to Beijing Kim Ha-joong revealed the figures in a speech at a breakfast meeting of businessmen.

　　The trading partners are expected to achieve the landmark level three years ahead of a deadline set by President Roh Moo-hyun and Chinese leaders in 2003.

　　Their bilateral trade stood at a mere 5 billion US dollars in 1992, when the two countries established formal relations, but the amount has steadily increased, soaring to more than 90 billion US dollars last year.