China-South Korea Foreign Ministers Meeting
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul during Cho’s two-day visit to China. This visit marks the first trip to Beijing by a South Korean foreign minister in over six years.
Focus on Trilateral Leaders’ Meeting
The primary task of the meeting is to prepare for the China-Japan-South Korea trilateral leaders’ meeting. Additionally, the visit aims to make an improvement-oriented adjustment in South Korea’s foreign policy, with a focus on easing and reconciling relations with China.
Importance of Stable Relations
Experts believe that steady and improved neighborly relations between China and South Korea are crucial for regional security and stability. Wang emphasized the importance of healthy and stable development in China-South Korea relations, aligning with the fundamental interests of both nations.
Strengthening Communication
During the meeting, Wang expressed China’s willingness to strengthen communication and exchanges with South Korea. He highlighted the need to maintain good neighborly relations, address major concerns, and eliminate external interference to promote the continuous and healthy development of bilateral relations.
Shared Desire for Stability
Experts suggest that both China and South Korea desire a stable and friendly bilateral relationship. Achieving this goal requires consensus-building and policy formulation based on national interests. Establishing a solid foundation for mutual cooperation is crucial for the stable and healthy development of China-South Korea relations.
Expectations for the Meeting
Prior to the meeting, Cho expressed his intention to have frank and in-depth discussions with Wang to create fresh momentum for bilateral relations. He emphasized the importance of clarifying positions on principle issues while focusing on areas of potential cooperation to strengthen bilateral ties.
Significance of the Visit
Cho’s visit marks the first official meeting between Chinese and South Korean foreign ministers since the trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in November. It is also the first official visit by a South Korean foreign minister to Beijing in several years, indicating a renewed effort to enhance bilateral relations.