Seoul: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula, expressing optimism for peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas during his meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the discussions between Wang and Cho occurred shortly after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung proposed a multiparty dialogue aimed at formally ending the Korean War of 1950-53. The meeting marked the first encounter between the two diplomats in 11 months, following their previous talks in Beijing last September.
In his opening remarks, Cho emphasized the importance of progressing bilateral relations to contribute to regional peace and stability, including on the Korean Peninsula. He echoed President Lee's recent Liberation Day address, which outlined a blueprint for peaceful coexistence on the peninsula and underscored South Korea's commitment to achieving denuclearization and lasting peace.
In response, Wang affirmed China's intent to "continue to play a constructive role" in promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, highlighting China's position as the peninsula's "most important neighboring country." He expressed hope for South and North Korea to advance toward peace and coexistence.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a decision to scale down combined military exercises with Seoul, citing financial considerations and his favorable relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as reasons for this move, which appears to be an attempt to reengage with the North.
When questioned about the possibility of China mediating a summit between Pyongyang and Washington, Wang stated that the decision was up to North Korea and the U.S., urging the latter to reconsider its longstanding hostile policy toward North Korea.
Park Doo-soon, the South Korean ministry's spokesperson, indicated that the talks are expected to review the progress made in restoring South Korea-China relations and prepare for future steps and high-level exchanges ahead of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen, China.
Following the talks, a banquet is planned. On Thursday, Wang is set to meet with President Lee at Cheong Wa Dae to discuss the development of Seoul-Beijing relations and regional security. Additionally, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac will host a separate meeting and luncheon with Wang to address the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and other mutual interests.
Wang's visit to Seoul comes after President Lee's proposal for multiparty dialogue to formally conclude the Korean War, as expressed in his Liberation Day speech, which emphasized peaceful coexistence with North Korea and conflict prevention strategies. Despite Lee's efforts, North Korea has largely remained unresponsive to Seoul's overtures since Lee assumed office in June 2025.
A foreign ministry official noted that discussions on President Lee's vision for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula are anticipated during the Cho-Wang meeting, suggesting that the proposed multiparty dialogue could also be on the agenda. The upcoming 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seoul and Beijing next year may also be addressed.
Wang's last visit to Seoul was in September 2021, and he and Cho last met in Beijing in September of the previous year.