In Seoul meeting with Wang Yi, South Korean president voices hope for closer China ties

Wang calls for accelerated second phase of negotiations in the China-South Korea two-way free trade agreement

“I look forward to travelling to Shenzhen in November to attend the Apec summit, using it as a major opportunity to work with China to elevate the South Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level,” Lee was quoted as saying by Chinese agency Xinhua.

Hailing the improved public perception of China in South Korea, Lee told Wang there were high expectations for strengthening comprehensive cooperation with China.

In the meeting, Wang said a “rational, pragmatic and positive” China policy aligned with Seoul’s interests, and he urged South Korea to maintain a friendly policy towards China.

“The two countries should use next year’s fifth anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to push for greater progress in our partnerships,” Wang said.

Wang, while pointing to growing trade protectionism elsewhere in the world, called for an acceleration of the second phase of negotiations in the China-South Korea two-way free trade agreement.

It is Wang’s first solo ministerial trip to Seoul since September 2021, although he accompanied Chinese President Xi Jinping to an Apec summit in South Korea last year.

Wang’s meeting on Thursday at the Cheong Wa Dae presidential office and a lunch with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac highlight an ongoing thaw in bilateral ties.