South Korean President Urges China to Maintain Strategic Communication on Korean Peninsula

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met with Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and Foreign Minister, urging continued close strategic communication on issues including the Korean Peninsula. The meeting, held at the Blue House, comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump's recent conciliatory gestures toward North Korea, drawing significant attention.

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I asked Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun and National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac to continue close strategic communication on issues such as South Korea-China relations and the Korean Peninsula.

President Lee evaluated the current state of South Korea-China relations positively, stating that "full restoration" has been achieved following consecutive meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of horizontal and reciprocal cooperation in the economic sphere, based on political trust, and the deepening goodwill between the peoples of both nations. Wang Yi conveyed regards from President Xi and echoed Lee's sentiment, noting that bilateral relations are maintaining a stable development trajectory based on the consensus reached during reciprocal state visits.

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We have achieved 'full restoration' of South Korea-China relations with the meetings held consecutively last year and this year.

Wang pledged China's active role in implementing follow-up measures agreed upon by the leaders of both countries, aiming to make the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year a meaningful occasion. Discussions also covered the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen in November. Wang sought South Korea's support for the summit and promised thorough preparations for high-level exchanges. President Lee affirmed South Korea's support as the host of last year's APEC meeting and expressed hope for fruitful outcomes that benefit the citizens of both countries.

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Based on the common understanding reached through the reciprocal state visits of the two heads of state, South Korea-China relations are maintaining a stable development trend.

Following the meeting with President Lee, Wang Yi also held talks and a luncheon with National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac. This marks the restoration of a dialogue channel between the National Security Advisor and the Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of China after a hiatus since December 2021. Both sides agreed to maintain regular communication on the Korean Peninsula situation and other regional and international issues. Wi Sung-lac explained President Lee's vision for peace and coexistence on the peninsula and the government's efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue, including a phased, practical approach to denuclearization. Wang reiterated China's consistent policy towards the Korean Peninsula and pledged to continue playing a constructive role in its peace and stability.

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We will actively play a role in steadily implementing the follow-up measures in various fields agreed upon by the two heads of state, so that we can meaningfully celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next year.