King to Meet Chinese Foreign Minister for Diplomatic Talks
"Clearly Define Principles, Create New Momentum"
"Forced Repatriation of Defectors Important... Naturally Raise Issues"
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul stated as he embarked on his first visit to China, "I will take an important first step to create a new momentum for the development of Korea-China relations."
On the morning of the 13th, Minister Cho met with reporters at Gimpo International Airport before departure and said, "In the severe geopolitical environment, this will be an important opportunity not only to enhance bilateral relations but also to activate strategic communication regarding the Korean Peninsula issue and regional and global situations." He added, "I will have an honest and in-depth conversation with Foreign Minister Wang Yi," emphasizing, "While clearly stating our position on matters of principle, I will focus on areas with great potential for cooperation to solidify the foundation for the development of bilateral relations."
Meeting with reporters before departure, Cho Tae-yeol, Minister of Foreign Affairs [Image source=Yonhap News]
That afternoon, Minister Cho will hold talks in Beijing with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister. It is expected that they will finalize the schedule for the upcoming Korea-China-Japan summit, planned for the 26th to 27th, and discuss specific agenda items. This is the first visit to Beijing by a South Korean foreign minister in six years, and the first face-to-face meeting between the two countries' top diplomats since the Korea-China-Japan foreign ministers' meeting held in Busan last November.
When asked whether he would raise concerns about the recent resumption of large-scale forced repatriation of North Korean defectors by Chinese authorities, he responded, "This is an important concern for our government," adding, "Of course, I will raise the issue and listen to the Chinese side's views." Regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, while acknowledging difficulties due to the 'changing geopolitical environment,' he said, "We will have in-depth discussions on how China can play a more proactive role."
Regarding AUKUS (the security alliance between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia) or Korea-US-Japan security cooperation, which involves South Korea's participation, he reiterated, "I think China will bring this up, but we will clearly state our position on matters of principle." Concerning a possible meeting with President Xi Jinping, he said nothing has been decided yet and that he will focus on his meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
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