[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] At the Korea-China Vice Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue resumed after four and a half years, the importance of ‘summit and high-level exchanges’ was emphasized, raising expectations that a Korea-China virtual summit may be imminent. If it takes place, there is also a possibility that Chinese President Xi Jinping might present President Moon Jae-in with an official invitation to the Beijing Winter Olympics.
On the 23rd, Choi Jong-geun, First Vice Foreign Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a virtual Korea-China Vice Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue with Luo Yucheng, Vice Minister of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They shared the recognition that summit and high-level exchanges are important for the development of bilateral relations, and agreed to steadily continue strategic communication through various means, including face-to-face and non-face-to-face methods, despite difficulties caused by COVID-19.
This strategic dialogue was held for the first time in four and a half years since June 2017, early in the Moon Jae-in administration. Considering that discussions on promoting a Korea-China virtual summit were held during Suh Hoon’s visit to China earlier this month, taking into account the COVID-19 situation between the two countries, it is highly likely that additional discussions took place through this strategic dialogue.
In this regard, some in diplomatic circles are suggesting the possibility of a Korea-China virtual summit in January next year. If President Xi presents President Moon with an invitation to the Beijing Winter Olympics at this meeting, it is expected to place a burden on the Korean government amid a series of ‘diplomatic boycotts’ led by the United States and its allies.
Experts predict that even if the invitation is extended, President Moon will not attend. Jeong Jae-heung, a research fellow at the Sejong Institute, pointed out, "China is highly likely to request attendance, but for that to happen, cooperation from the United States is necessary, which is realistically difficult." Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, also said, "In terms of the virtuous cycle strategy of inter-Korean and North Korea-U.S. relations, there will be no solo visit by President Moon to China without U.S. participation."
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