Chinese and South Korean Foreign Ministers Meet in Seoul to Deepen Ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in Seoul on August 19, affirming continued momentum in the recovery of bilateral relations following reciprocal head-of-state visits. The two sides discussed expanding cooperation into emerging high-value sectors such as artificial intelligence and green transition, accelerating the second phase of free trade negotiations, and coordinating ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen and the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The high-level talks underscore efforts by Beijing and Seoul to stabilize peripheral ties and protect supply chain connectivity amid shifting global dynamics. By focusing on emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, digital economy, and the silver economy alongside institutional trade mechanisms, both nations are working to anchor bilateral ties in concrete economic and multilateral cooperation ahead of key diplomatic milestones.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in Seoul on August 19, focusing on sustaining bilateral momentum, expanding economic cooperation, and managing regional stability, according to state media reports. During the meeting, Wang noted that relations between Beijing and Seoul have continued to improve following mutual visits between Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung since late last year. Pointing to growing volatility in the international environment and strain on global supply chains, Wang urged both nations to take a long-term strategic view and ensure stable, sustainable bilateral relations. He expressed hope that South Korea would pursue its foreign policy independently and in accordance with its fundamental interests. On the economic front, Wang emphasized that the two countries form a deeply integrated community of shared interests. He called for upgrading traditional manufacturing cooperation toward high-value-added sectors, highlighting artificial intelligence, the green transition, the digital economy, high-end equipment, and the silver economy as new growth drivers. Wang also called for accelerating Phase 2 negotiations on the China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement and expanding people-to-people exchanges across youth, media, and think-tank sectors. Cho Hyun stated that the successful exchange of presidential visits had consolidated the recovery of bilateral ties. He reaffirmed South Korea's adherence to the One-China policy and expressed eagerness to deepen high-level exchanges, trade, high-tech collaboration, and multilateral coordination. Cho highlighted President Lee's upcoming visit to Shenzhen in November to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Informal Meeting as an important opportunity to further advance bilateral relations. Addressing the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Wang stated that China's foreign policy remains consistent and constructive, adding that Beijing welcomes peaceful coexistence between North and South Korea to achieve long-term peace and stability in the region.