China's Wang Yi calls for peace and coexistence between Koreas in Seoul visit

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for peace and coexistence between South and North Korea during a Wednesday meeting in Seoul with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun. "We hope that both countries (...) can gradually move toward opportunities for peace and coexistence, and we sincerely pray for lasting stability and development on the Korean Peninsula," Wang stated, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

Cho Hyun, the South Korean Foreign Minister, affirmed his government's continued pursuit of peace and denuclearization on the peninsula. He expressed optimism that strengthening ties between Seoul and Beijing could contribute to regional stability.

Wang arrived in Seoul for a two-day visit, during which he is also expected to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. This visit comes after Lee's trip to Beijing earlier this year, marking the first visit by a South Korean leader to China in six years. Relations between the two nations have been marked by frequent political and trade disputes.

During Lee's previous meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Xi described China and South Korea as "friends and neighbors" who should "visit each other more often, maintain regular exchanges, and strengthen communication." Xi also emphasized that Beijing "has always placed relations with South Korea in an important position" within its neighborhood diplomacy.