Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, praised the South Korean government's approach to China during his official visit on August 20, stating that "returning Korea-China relations to a normal trajectory was the right choice." He emphasized the importance of pursuing 'strategic autonomy' while developing relations with major countries like China and the U.S., urging against siding with any particular bloc.
According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Wang met with President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House. He noted that the mutual visits between the leaders of Korea and China over the past two months have provided significant political assurances for improving and developing bilateral relations and have outlined a strategic direction for the future.
Wang assessed that the comprehensive recovery and positive progress in Korea-China relations this year demonstrate that a rational, practical, and proactive policy toward China aligns with South Korea's interests and the current global trends.
He also stated, "China will become the world's largest market in the future," expressing a willingness to share development opportunities with all countries, especially neighboring ones. Wang urged President Lee to continue promoting friendly policies toward China, expressing hope that the 35th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations next year would further enhance the strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations, contributing to their development and regional peace and prosperity.
Wang called for strengthened economic cooperation, stating, "In a time of deepening global economic division and rising trade protectionism, Korea and China should play exemplary roles," and urged for the swift conclusion of Phase 2 of the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He emphasized the need for concrete actions to promote regional economic integration and advance inclusive and mutually beneficial economic globalization.
On the same day, Wang held a separate strategic dialogue with National Security Director Wi Sung-lak, where he articulated China's stance on security issues, including Korea-China relations, U.S.-China relations, and the Korean Peninsula.
Xinhua reported that Wang stated, "China's policy toward Korea maintains consistency and stability, placing Korea in an important position in its foreign relations." He expressed hope that Korea would realize true strategic autonomy and refrain from engaging in bloc confrontations or choosing sides, emphasizing the need to develop relations with major countries like China and the U.S. in a non-contradictory manner.
Regarding the Korean Peninsula, the two sides exchanged views. Wang argued that the fundamental solution to the tensions on the Peninsula lies in addressing the root causes, calling for the U.S. to abandon its hostile policy toward North Korea.
He further stated that all countries should take actions that facilitate dialogue resumption and mutual trust restoration, welcoming the movement toward peaceful coexistence between North and South Korea. Ultimately, he stressed the need to transition the armistice system on the Korean Peninsula to a peace system to achieve long-term peace and stability.
Wang also strongly criticized Japan's rightward shift, warning that "Japan's right-wing forces must be cautious of actions that turn back the wheels of history" and asserting that the revival of Japanese militarism must not be allowed.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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