China urges South Korea to deepen their strategic cooperative partnership, expand trade and investment, and advance FTA talks. Both sides highlight improving relations, growing people-to-people exchanges and the importance of regional stability.
China is calling for stronger momentum in its strategic cooperative partnership with South Korea, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urging Seoul to pursue a friendly policy towards Beijing and expand bilateral cooperation. Wang made the remarks during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Seoul.
Wang said the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea in 2027 should serve as an opportunity to achieve further progress in bilateral ties. He noted that the recent improvement in relations demonstrates the benefits of a rational, pragmatic and positive approach to cooperation between the two countries.
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The Chinese foreign minister also highlighted the importance of closer economic engagement amid growing global trade fragmentation and protectionism. He called on China and South Korea to accelerate negotiations on the second phase of their Free Trade Agreement (FTA), arguing that a stronger economic partnership could contribute to regional economic integration and more inclusive globalisation.
Wang also stressed China's position on regional and international issues, saying Beijing supports the political settlement of conflicts through dialogue and seeks to contribute to peace and stability. He added that China remains willing to share development opportunities with neighbouring countries, including South Korea.
President Lee welcomed the improvement in China-South Korea relations and pointed to strong momentum in economic and trade cooperation. He said people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are expected to surpass 10 million this year, while public perceptions of China in South Korea are also improving.
Lee further said stronger strategic cooperation between Seoul and Beijing serves the fundamental interests of both countries and contributes to regional peace and stability. He described the two economies as complementary and emphasised the importance of cooperation in areas including trade, investment and security.
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The meeting comes as China and South Korea work to restore and broaden bilateral relations after periods of diplomatic tension. Wang's visit to Seoul, his first official visit to the country in five years, also provides an opportunity for both sides to prepare for further high-level engagement, including potential leaders' discussions at the APEC summit in China later this year.
The latest talks indicate that Beijing and Seoul are seeking to place economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and regional stability at the centre of their renewed engagement. The two sides are expected to continue efforts to strengthen their strategic partnership ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations.