South Korea and China’s foreign ministers met in Seoul to discuss peace on the Korean Peninsula, denuclearization, and the development of bilateral relations. As the South Korean government pushes for multilateral talks to end the Korean War, China expressed its intention to play a constructive role in ensuring peace and stability in the region.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin met with Wang Yi, head of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Foreign Affairs Office and Foreign Minister, on August 19 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jongno-gu, Seoul. This marks Wang's first visit to South Korea since September 2021.
The two ministers convened for the first time in 11 months, following their meeting in Beijing last September. They exchanged views on South Korea-China relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and regional and international issues.
Minister Park referenced President Lee Jae-myung's proposal for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula during his Liberation Day speech, requesting China's cooperation in achieving denuclearization and peace. He emphasized that the restoration of South Korea-China relations should lead to peace and stability in the region, including the Korean Peninsula.
Wang stated that as a key neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China aims to play a constructive role in fostering peace and stability. He also expressed hope for both North and South Korea to pursue a path of peaceful coexistence.
The discussions likely included President Lee's proposal for multilateral discussions on ending the war and ways to resume dialogue with North Korea. Attention is focused on the role China, a major ally of North Korea and a signatory to the armistice agreement, will play in future discussions.
The two sides also reportedly discussed follow-up measures from the recent South Korea-China summit and diplomatic strategies for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, in November. They are expected to address ways to enhance exchanges and cooperation ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China next year.
Wang is scheduled to meet with President Lee Jae-myung on August 20 and will also hold talks with National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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