Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said South Korea should develop its relations with China and the United States in parallel without conflict.
Wang made the remarks on Thursday after meeting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the presidential office. The Chinese minister also called on Seoul to pursue genuine strategic autonomy, avoid conflict between blocs and refrain from taking sides.
Lee calls for close communication on the Korean Peninsula
During the meeting, Lee called for South Korea and China to keep close strategic communication channels open on issues concerning the Korean Peninsula. He asked the Chinese foreign minister to maintain close communication with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac on bilateral relations and matters concerning the peninsula.
The South Korean president said bilateral relations between the two countries had fully recovered following his recent high-level contacts with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lee said he welcomed the strengthening of horizontal, mutually beneficial economic cooperation based on political trust.
China says relations are progressing steadily
Wang Yi conveyed Xi Jinping's greetings to Lee and said China-South Korea relations were developing steadily. He said they would take a more active role in implementing the agreements reached between Lee and Xi ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
In a separate meeting with Wi Sung-lac, the Chinese minister also said China's policy toward South Korea was consistent and stable. Wang said the two countries should strengthen communication, build mutual trust and expand strategic cooperation in politics, trade, the economy and security.
Seoul supports Asia-Pacific summit
Wang Yi sought South Korea's support for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that China will host. Lee said South Korea would provide full support for the summit.
