South Korea Seeks Stronger China Ties Before APEC
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has urged his country to strengthen cooperation with China without fearing its growing global influence or underestimating its capabilities. His remarks on Saturday, November 14, followed discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, ahead of next week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen.
South Korea Foreign Minister Calls for Closer China Ties
Cho said his visit reinforced the importance of approaching China’s economic and strategic rise without unnecessary apprehension.
In a social media statement, he called for mutually beneficial cooperation built on the strengths, independence and creativity of South Korean businesses and citizens.
The remarks followed his meeting and dinner with Wang Yi on Friday, their first discussions in approximately three months.
Both ministers reviewed bilateral relations, developments on the Korean Peninsula and opportunities to deliver economic benefits to their countries.
Lee Jae Myung to Attend APEC Summit in China
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to attend the APEC leaders’ summit in Shenzhen on November 18-19.
He is also expected to attend a dinner hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife.
Seoul hopes the visit will strengthen diplomatic engagement and expand cooperation in industries where both economies possess complementary capabilities.
China Proposes Cooperation in AI and Biomedicine
Wang expressed China’s interest in expanding cooperation with South Korea across traditional industries and emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence and biomedicine.
He said bilateral relations had returned to a positive trajectory following exchanges between the countries’ leaders.
Lee’s administration has sought to improve relations with China, South Korea’s largest trading partner, following tensions under former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
At the same time, Seoul continues maintaining its longstanding security alliance with the United States.
