As the government pushes for dialogue among parties concerned to end the Korean War, the foreign minister of China—a party to the conflict and North Korea's key ally—visited South Korea today (the 19th).

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a meeting with Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs of the Chinese Communist Party and Foreign Minister, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building today.

Meeting again 11 months after their talks in Beijing last September, the two ministers exchanged in-depth views on mutual concerns, including bilateral relations between South Korea and China, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and regional and international issues.

In his opening remarks, Minister Cho said, "I hope we can make efforts so that the achievements of restoring South Korea-China relations can contribute to peace and stability in the region, including the Korean Peninsula." He added, "As President Lee Jae-myung recently presented a blueprint for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula through his Liberation Day congratulatory address, the South Korean government will work toward the denuclearization and realization of peace on the Korean Peninsula."

He continued, "Based on the shared interest of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, I expect to cooperate with China and look forward to having a frank and in-depth conversation with Minister Wang Yi today."

Minister Cho also expressed condolences over the passing of former Chinese State Council Premier Zhu Rongji.

In response, Minister Wang stated, "As the most important neighboring country to the Korean Peninsula, the Chinese side will continue to play a constructive role for peace, development, peace, and stability on the Korean Peninsula." He added, "We will make the efforts we ought to make."

He continued, "We also hope that the two countries of South Korea and North Korea can gradually follow the path of opportunity for peace and coexistence, and we sincerely wish for the sustained stability and development of the Korean Peninsula."

Regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula, it is observed that Minister Cho explained President Lee Jae-myung's proposal for multilateral discussions on ending the war to Minister Wang, and requested China's constructive role for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and multilateral dialogue with North Korea.

In particular, as U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly sends messages of dialogue to North Korea and foreign media reports emerge of pushing for a North Korea-U.S. summit on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Shenzhen, China, in November, attention is focused on the role of China, which can exert considerable influence over North Korea.

Minister Cho is expected to ask Minister Wang for cooperation so that the Korean Peninsula issue can be discussed positively between the U.S. and Chinese leaders, with Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the U.S. anticipated in September.

This meeting is also significant as an occasion to review the implementation results of the previous South Korea-China summit and examine the expected agenda for the next South Korea-China summit that could be held on the sidelines of the Shenzhen APEC summit.

In particular, as next year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and China, discussions are expected to have focused on full-scale efforts to improve and strengthen bilateral relations, which have been declared to be under "full restoration."

Today's meeting was scheduled for 6:00 PM, and Minister Wang arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building at around 6:16 PM.

While minor delays in meeting schedules are not uncommon, Minister Wang has previously stirred controversy for running late at major diplomatic events with other countries, including South Korea-China foreign ministers' meetings.

After the meeting, the two ministers moved to another location to continue their conversation over dinner.

This marks Minister Wang's first solo visit to South Korea in about five years, since September 2021.

Minister Wang plans to pay a courtesy call on President Lee Jae-myung at the presidential office tomorrow (the 20th), and hold a meeting and luncheon with National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac.

(Photo: Pool Press, Yonhap News)