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Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building on August 19. / Courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on August 19 called for a constructive role from China to encourage North Korea's prompt return to dialogue, speaking to Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is currently visiting South Korea.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that day, Minister Cho made the request during the South Korea-China foreign ministers' meeting and subsequent dinner, presenting the blueprint for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula outlined in President Lee Jae-myung's Liberation Day address and explaining the government's efforts toward denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

In response, Minister Wang said, "China's policy on the Korean Peninsula maintains continuity and stability," adding, "We will continue to play a constructive role for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." He continued, "We hope the South and the North can walk the path of peaceful coexistence and wish for lasting stability and development on the Korean Peninsula."

Both sides also expressed their commitment to cooperating on establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula during their opening remarks.

Minister Cho stated in his opening remarks, "As President Lee presented a blueprint for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula in his recent Liberation Day address, the South Korean government will strive to achieve denuclearization and peace on the peninsula," adding, "We look forward to cooperating with China based on the shared interests of both countries in regional peace and stability." Minister Wang replied, "China, as the Korean Peninsula's most important neighbor, will continue to play a constructive role and make due efforts for peace and stability on the peninsula. We hope South and North Korea will gradually move toward peaceful coexistence."

The two sides also agreed to make joint efforts to expand friendly exchanges between their peoples. Accordingly, on the occasion of next year's 35th anniversary of South Korea-China diplomatic relations, they agreed to strengthen cooperation across various areas, including the South Korea-China FTA, service and investment negotiations, supply chain stabilization, giant panda introductions, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and the preservation and management of Korean independence movement historical sites in China.

Minister Cho also conveyed the South Korean government's principled stance on issues such as the West Sea, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect for core concerns. He further urged the Chinese government to safeguard the safety, rights, and interests of South Korean nationals residing in China.

Minister Wang assessed during the meeting that South Korea-China relations are on a track of stable and sustained improvement and development, stating that Beijing is actively considering a bilateral summit when President Lee attends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen this November.

Minister Wang also extended an invitation for Minister Cho to visit China. Minister Cho expressed his appreciation and replied that both sides should consult on arranging a visit at a mutually convenient time.

The South Korea-China foreign ministers' meeting began around 6:15 p.m. that day and concluded after the dinner at 10:15 p.m.

On August 20, the second day of his visit, Minister Wang is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Lee at Cheong Wa Dae and hold a meeting and lunch with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac.

                                                                                                            Mok Yong-jae