Wang Yi Meets South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to Deepen Bilateral Ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House in Seoul, signaling steady progress in repairing and stabilizing bilateral ties. During the talks, Lee highlighted strong momentum in trade and cultural exchanges, expressing anticipation for his planned attendance at the November APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen. Wang urged both nations to expedite the second phase of their bilateral Free Trade Agreement negotiations to counter rising trade protectionism and prepare for the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

The high-level talks reflect a concerted effort by Beijing and Seoul to restore pragmatic diplomatic and economic engagement, which is critical for Northeast Asian supply chain resilience and regional stability amid mounting global geopolitical frictions.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House in Seoul on August 20, marking another step in the stabilization of bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries, according to reports by Xinhua and People's Daily. During the meeting, President Lee conveyed his greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting the warm reception he received during his visit to China in January. Lee remarked on the rapid recovery and growth of bilateral ties, emphasizing that economic and trade cooperation continues to maintain strong momentum. He pointed out that cross-border personnel visits between the two nations are on track to exceed 10 million this year, while public perceptions in South Korea toward China are steadily improving. Highlighting that China and South Korea share mutual needs in trade and regional security, Lee stated that the two countries should act as interdependent and mutually beneficial partners, adding that he looks forward to traveling to Shenzhen in November to attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping's greetings to President Lee, stating that South Korea's pragmatic foreign policy choices have helped steer bilateral relations back onto a normal track. Wang noted that the mutual visits between the two heads of state within a two-month span provided key political assurance and strategic guidance for bilateral ties. Emphasizing China's commitment to peace, market openness, and certainty in the global economy, Wang encouraged South Korea to maintain a friendly and constructive policy posture. Wang also called on both countries to accelerate the second phase of negotiations on the China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In the face of increasing global economic fragmentation and protectionism, Wang noted that concluding the agreement would serve as a model for regional economic integration and inclusive globalization. He also encouraged both nations to use the upcoming 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity to upgrade their strategic cooperative partnership. During his visit to Seoul, Wang also held separate talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and conducted a strategic dialogue with National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac.