Chinese FM Wang Yi: "Hope South and North Korea Move Toward Peace and Coexistence... China Will Play Constructive Role"

Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister, stated that he hopes South and North Korea will move toward a path of peace and coexistence, adding that China will play a constructive role for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

During the South Korea-China foreign ministers' meeting with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Seoul today (the 19th), Minister Wang said, "We hope South Korea and North Korea can gradually move toward a path of peace and coexistence."

He went on to emphasize, "As the most important neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China will continue to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and make the efforts it ought to make."

This statement from the Chinese side comes as President Lee Jae-myung presented a blueprint for "peaceful coexistence" between the South and North during his Liberation Day congratulatory address, expressing hope that both sides will move forward on the path of peace and coexistence.

Foreign Minister Cho expressed his commitment to working toward the denuclearization and peace of the Korean Peninsula while requesting cooperation from China.

Minister Cho stated, "I look forward to cooperating with China based on our shared interest in the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula."

Unlike Minister Cho, who explicitly emphasized the "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Minister Wang did not mention denuclearization in his public opening remarks, placing his focus instead on peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas.

Regarding bilateral relations, both sides expressed their intent to further advance the momentum of improving ties that has continued following the mutual visits by their leaders in November of last year and January of this year.

Minister Wang assessed that South Korea-China relations are stably improving and developing in accordance with the direction set by the leaders of the two countries.

In particular, defining the two countries as friendly neighbors and enduring partners, he emphasized the need to promote the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of bilateral ties.

Ahead of the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China on the 24th, he said, "Let us not forget our original aspiration and work together with the times to elevate the South Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership to a new stage."

Minister Cho also assessed that the mutual visits of the two leaders have "established a trend toward the full restoration of South Korea-China relations."

Mentioning the APEC summit to be held in Shenzhen, China, this coming November, he stated, "We hope to work together so that the narrative of the full restoration of South Korea-China relations, which began in Gyeongju, can develop to the next level through the Shenzhen APEC."

Prior to the meeting, Foreign Minister Cho also conveyed deep condolences over the recent passing of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji.

Minister Cho praised former Premier Zhu as a key figure in China's reform and opening up, as well as someone who contributed to the development of South Korea-China relations.

In response, Minister Wang expressed gratitude for the South Korean side's condolences and noted that former Premier Zhu had also exerted considerable effort toward developing South Korea-China relations.

Introducing that a memorial event was held in Beijing the previous day, Minister Wang stated that he would convey Minister Cho's condolences to the bereaved family.

(Photo: Joint Press Corps, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.