China-US relationship may strengthen during Xi's expected visit to the APEC summit, as reported by Foreign Minister Cho.
South Korean Foreign Minister Seeks to Strengthen Ties with China
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is set to hold top-level diplomatic talks with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Beijing. This marks the first such meeting since the launch of President Lee Jae Myung's government in early June.
During the talks, Minister Cho is expected to call for China's role in supporting Seoul's efforts to restore ties and resume dialogue with North Korea. The Lee government aims to improve inter-Korean relations, which deteriorated under the previous conservative administration.
The upcoming APEC summit, scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 1, might see the attendance of Chinese President Xi Jinping. If confirmed, this visit could reaffirm stable bilateral ties and provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss key issues of mutual interest, including North Korea.
Seoul believes that Xi Jinping's visit could be a significant step towards strengthening relations with China. The Lee government is also keen on maintaining strong ties with the United States, its sole ally, and the trilateral partnership with Washington and Tokyo.
However, the Lee government's efforts to engage with North Korea have been met with repeated rejections from Pyongyang. Minister Cho may also use the talks to clarify Beijing's stance on the North's denuclearization.
In a recent development, North Korea's state media reported that Kim Jong-un will unveil a policy of simultaneously pursuing nuclear forces and conventional weapons at its upcoming party congress. Minister Cho and Wang are likely to discuss their assessments on this matter.
Wang Yi noted that bilateral ties with Seoul are firmly based on the 'spirit of firmly staying on the course of good neighborliness and friendly ties and pursuing the goal of mutual benefits and win-win cooperation.'
Beijing, however, made no mention of North Korea's denuclearization after Xi's summit with Kim on the sidelines of the anniversary event marking the end of World War II. The Lee government, despite the challenges, remains hopeful that the APEC summit will not only advance APEC but also further develop Korea-China relations.
Minister Cho's visit to China in October was part of his efforts to discuss bilateral relations ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's possible visit to the APEC summit. Cho expressed hope that the APEC summit will not only advance APEC but also further develop Korea-China relations.
As South Korea seeks to balance relations with Beijing amid a deepening US-China rivalry, these talks are of significant importance in shaping the future of Korea-China relations.
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