As diplomatic contacts between China and South Korea intensify again, a two-day official visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is being planned. During the visit, which is expected to begin on Wednesday, Wang Yi is expected to meet with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.
The ministerial meeting, planned after a gap of approximately 11 months, is expected to address bilateral relations, international issues and matters concerning the Korean Peninsula.
First planned bilateral visit since 2021
If the visit to South Korea takes place, Wang Yi will make his first bilateral visit to the country since 2021. Wang Yi traveled to Seoul in 2023 to attend a trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting.
Wang Yi is also expected to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Lee visited China in January this year. Chinese President Xi Jinping traveled to South Korea last October to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju.
China sends message on ties with neighbor
China has not yet officially announced Wang Yi’s visit to South Korea. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press briefing in Beijing that China and South Korea are important neighboring countries.
Lin Jian said relations between the two countries were good and that normal communication at various levels was continuing. The planned visit will take place at a time when diplomatic contacts between Seoul and Beijing are increasing again.