Four-Hour Dialogue... Korean and Chinese Foreign Ministers Emphasize 'Cooperation'

Cho Tae-yeol's First Visit to China... Korea-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting Held
"Cooperation for Successful Korea-China-Japan Summit"
Wang Yi Calls for "Non-Interference"... Urges Cooperation Amid US Containment
High-Level Exchanges Resume... Wang Yi Invites Visit to Korea

In a situation where the new Cold War currents in the region are solidifying, the diplomatic chiefs of South Korea and China met and took the first step toward 'improving relations.' Both sides acknowledged that there are many 'challenges,' but emphasized 'cooperation.' Attention is focused on whether the Korea-China relationship, which had been cold, will reach a turning point through the Korea-China-Japan summit.

On the 13th (local time), Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol held talks with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China. It has been six and a half years since a South Korean foreign minister visited Beijing, the last being Kang Kyung-wha in November 2017. Minister Cho stated, "To open a new era of Korea-China cooperation, we must focus not on speed or scale but on building a sustainable development foundation through mutual trust enhancement," and added, "Let us continue to develop the 'strategic cooperative partnership' based on mutual respect, reciprocity, and common interests."

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol (left) held talks with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, on the 13th (local time). Both sides emphasized "cooperation" and agreed to continue necessary communication for the development of Korea-China relations, including the resumption of high-level exchanges.
[Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

In his brief opening remarks of about 1,400 characters, Minister Cho mentioned the word 'cooperation' seven times, repeatedly emphasizing the will to improve Korea-China relations. He also used the expression 'together' three times. For example, he said, "Let us respond together to common challenges," and stressed, "For the development of bilateral relations, both countries must work together, not just one side." Before departure, at the airport, he told reporters, "We will clarify principles but seek momentum for relationship development," highlighting the importance of China's role in restoring relations.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out the difficulties in Korea-China relations in a relatively clear tone. Wang said, "The development of China-Korea relations aligns with the trend of the times, but recent difficulties and challenges have significantly increased," adding, "These do not align with the common interests of both sides, nor are they what China desires." He further stated, "I hope South Korea will uphold the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations, the direction of good-neighborliness and friendship, and the goal of mutual cooperation with China," and said, "Excluding interference, facing each other, and joining forces, I hope to promote the healthy and stable development of China-Korea relations."

The 'exclusion of interference' mentioned by Minister Wang appears to carry a warning regarding South Korea's relations with the United States. It is evaluated as targeting the situation where the U.S. is engaging in a hegemonic competition with China, pushing for supply chain restructuring and the Indo-Pacific strategy, and involving South Korea in these efforts. Although the attitude of blaming South Korea whenever Korea-China relations freeze remains, it is analyzed to have become somewhat more diplomatic. Professor Pyo Nari of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy said, "(Minister Wang's remarks) are in line with China's existing stance but can be interpreted as moderating the tone to some extent."

Cho Tae-yeol Emphasizes 'Cooperation'... "China Must Also Make Efforts Together"

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yeol (left) held talks with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, on the 13th (local time) at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China. Both sides emphasized "cooperation" and agreed to continue necessary communication for the development of Korea-China relations, including the resumption of high-level exchanges.
[Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Minister Cho and Minister Wang continued their talks and dinner for four hours, exchanging views on bilateral issues. A Foreign Ministry official said, "Both sides reaffirmed the importance of Korea-China relations and agreed to develop them in a healthy and mature manner," adding, "They also agreed to continue cooperating to ensure the successful hosting of the 9th Korea-Japan-China summit to be held soon in South Korea."

Minister Cho emphasized strengthening strategic exchanges at various levels, including high-level ones, to maintain the 'momentum of cooperation.' In this context, he requested Minister Wang's visit to South Korea, and Minister Wang responded that he hopes high-level exchanges between the two countries will be more active and that he will visit South Korea at a convenient time.

On the economic front, both sides reached a consensus to continue close communication to strengthen economic cooperation between Korea and China, including stable supply chain management. Minister Cho requested interest and support for ensuring a friendly investment environment and resolving difficulties for South Korean companies' stable investments.

Minister Cho also expressed concern over North Korea escalating tensions in the region and continuing illegal military cooperation with Russia, while urging China to play a 'constructive role' in North Korea's denuclearization. Additionally, he conveyed domestic and international concerns about the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors to China and requested special attention and cooperation to ensure that defectors in China are not forcibly repatriated to North Korea but can go to their desired countries. In response, Minister Wang stated that China's policy toward the Korean Peninsula remains unchanged and that China will play a constructive role in resolving the Korean Peninsula issue.

Expectations for Resumption of High-Level Exchanges... Xi's Visit to South Korea 'Unlikely' This Year

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol held talks with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, on the 13th (local time). Both sides emphasized "cooperation" and agreed to continue necessary communication for the development of Korea-China relations, including the resumption of high-level exchanges.
[Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

The meeting between the two countries' diplomatic chiefs is significant in that it opened the door to dialogue that had been closed and began exchanging views on sensitive issues. However, it is premature to assume that a warm breeze will immediately blow in Korea-China relations just because both sides emphasized 'cooperation.' South Korea will continue to pressure China for a 'constructive role' regarding North Korea while also appeasing China on issues such as supply chain restructuring. Although Minister Wang responded to Minister Cho's requests, China has played the role of North Korea's 'backer' as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

Nevertheless, it is clearly evaluated that both sides share the recognition of the need for 'relationship management' to prevent the intensification of conflicts. It is also reported that China was proactive in arranging the Foreign Minister talks in Beijing ahead of Minister Cho's visit, which was made possible by Minister Wang's 'invitation.'

There is growing expectation that the resumption of high-level exchanges between the two countries will gain momentum through this meeting. Last month, Hao Feng, Party Secretary of Liaoning Province, visited South Korea, and if the Korea-Japan-China summit scheduled for the end of this month proceeds as planned, it is expected that Li Chang, Premier of the State Council of China, will visit South Korea. Since Minister Cho officially invited him, Minister Wang is also expected to visit South Korea at an appropriate time to continue the 'momentum of cooperation.'

Furthermore, there is interest in whether Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea was discussed at this meeting. Since taking office, President Yoon has requested President Xi's visit to South Korea several times directly or indirectly, but President Xi has responded by requesting President Yoon's visit to China instead. A government official said, "Since President Yoon visited China, it would be appropriate for President Xi to come now," but also added, "There is a growing view that it is difficult to schedule a separate visit within this year, with more weight given to President Xi visiting South Korea during next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit."