South Korea Moves to Normalize Relations with China
South Korea has expressed its intent to normalize ties with China and strengthen economic cooperation. A delegation led by former parliament speaker Park Byeong-seug delivered a personal message from President Lee Jae-myung to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The letter included an invitation for President Xi Jinping to attend the APEC summit in October.
Strategic Partnership on Agenda
According to South Korea’s foreign ministry, both sides agreed to pursue concrete progress in economic collaboration and supply-chain stability. Officials said the goal is to develop a “mature and healthy” partnership while managing regional competition and balancing global trade priorities.
Context and Key Concerns
Relations between Seoul and Beijing were strained after South Korea’s deployment of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system in 2017. Tensions worsened in 2023 following critical remarks from the previous South Korean administration. The latest outreach signals a reset as President Lee seeks to balance ties with both Washington and Beijing.
