South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is preparing for a significant two-day visit to China, scheduled for September 17-18, as announced by the Foreign Ministry on Monday.
During his visit, Minister Cho is expected to hold a pivotal meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. Discussions will cover various strategic matters, including preparations for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to South Korea next month.
The diplomatic push extends beyond bilateral ties. Top South Korean officials have also extended invitations to both President Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum summit, slated for October 31 in Gyeongju. In a notable move, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has encouraged President Trump to consider a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his upcoming regional trip, signaling a desire for renewed dialogue on the Korean Peninsula.
This visit comes amidst recent developments in Sino-North Korean relations, as President Xi was recently seen alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a military parade in Beijing. This event marked their first bilateral meeting in six years, highlighting the evolving dynamics in Northeast Asia.
Seoul continues to advocate for Beijing to leverage its influence and play a constructive role in encouraging Pyongyang to re-engage in denuclearization talks regarding its nuclear program.