South Korean and Chinese Foreign Ministers Strengthen Relations Amid Political Challenges
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Seoul, Dec 24 (NationPress) The top diplomats from South Korea and China emphasized their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in a phone call on Tuesday, according to Seoul's foreign ministry. This was their first discussion after an unsuccessful martial law declaration in South Korea on December 3.
The 30-minute conversation involved Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, taking place against a backdrop of concerns regarding their diplomatic ties after Beijing expressed being "deeply surprised and dissatisfied" with President Yoon Suk Yeol's public remarks on December 12, which accused Chinese entities of espionage.
During the conversation, Cho stated that the government's position on enhancing the strategic cooperative partnership between South Korea and China remains consistent under the leadership of acting President Han Duck-soo, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Cho proposed that both nations collaborate in various sectors, especially as South Korea prepares to host the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, a city in the southeast, according to the ministry.
Wang responded by emphasizing that fostering their relationship in a healthy and stable manner aligns with their mutual national interests and called for close cooperation and communication to further enhance their ties.
Wang also reiterated Beijing's support for Seoul's hosting of the upcoming APEC summit, as mentioned by the South Korean ministry, and the foreign ministers may have discussed the potential visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping during the event.
Both parties agreed to continue seeking strategic communication to manage the situation on the Korean Peninsula in a stable manner, the ministry added.
This conversation occurred approximately two weeks after the trade ministry conducted a high-level dialogue with China to explore ways to strengthen bilateral exchanges.
On December 10, Fang Kun, the charge d'affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, expressed hope for South Korea's economic and social stability amidst the rising political uncertainties following the failed martial law declaration.
These comments were made during a meeting with Deputy Finance Minister Choi Ji-young in Seoul.
"As a close neighbor and an essential cooperative partner, we wish for the ongoing stability of South Korea's economy and society," Fang was cited by the finance ministry.
