Foreign Minister Cho Hyun departed for China on Wednesday to attend his first China–South Korea Foreign Ministers’ meeting since taking office. He stated that he will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the recent visit of Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, and our plans for discussions concerning North Korea.
During a press briefing at Gimpo International Airport that morning, Minister Cho said that it will discuss various agenda items, including how to enhance cooperation between South Korea and China and strategies to ease tensions in Northeast Asia.
He specifically noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit South Korea for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, adding that they will discuss the details of this visit.
Regarding the North Korea–China summit held on September 4 during China’s Victory Day celebrations, at which the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was not addressed, he explained that the South Korean government has consistently urged China to play a constructive role regarding the denuclearization issue and North Korea. He noted that he will once again emphasize China’s constructive role in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.
Additionally, Minister Cho plans to address the issue of structures unlawfully installed by China in the Yellow Sea. He stated that while neighboring countries should cooperate and maintain good relations, it must clearly identify and address any problematic issues. He added that it will raise the matter of the Yellow Sea structures and seek prompt solutions.
This visit marks the first China–South Korea Foreign Ministers’ meeting since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration and comes about six months after former Minister Cho Tae-yul met with Minister Wang in Japan last March.