- Chinese FM Wang Yi visits Seoul August 19-20, meeting President Lee, Foreign Minister Cho, and the national security adviser for talks.
- Discussions will cover South Korea-China relations, Korean Peninsula developments, Lee's multilateral Korean War end proposal, and greetings to Xi.
- The visit arrives amid strain with Washington after US cutbacks to joint military exercises and renewed debate over the alliance's future.
- Meetings aim to deepen ties with China while preserving the US partnership and preparing for APEC in Shenzhen and the 35th diplomatic anniversary.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit South Korea this week for talks with President Lee Jae Myung and senior officials. The visit comes as Seoul seeks more diplomatic flexibility amid renewed uncertainty over its security relationship with Washington.
Wang will visit South Korea on August 19 and 20. It will be his first official trip to the country in about five years.
He is scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Wednesday. Wang will then hold talks with Lee at the Blue House on Thursday. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac will also meet Wang for discussions and a luncheon.
Lee’s office said the president plans to discuss South Korea-China relations, developments on the Korean Peninsula and wider regional issues. He is also expected to send greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Meanwhile, Seoul is promoting a proposal for multilateral talks aimed at formally ending the Korean War. Lee raised the idea during his Liberation Day address on August 15.
The proposal could bring the two Koreas, the United States and China into a broader peace process. Beijing’s participation may be important because of its longstanding ties with Pyongyang. China is also a major diplomatic and economic supporter of North Korea.
Wang’s trip comes at a sensitive time for Seoul’s alliance with Washington. President Donald Trump recently ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce U.S.-South Korea military exercises.
Trump described the drills as costly and provocative. He also signaled renewed interest in direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The decision surprised Seoul and sparked fresh debate over the future of the alliance.
Lee has tried to balance those concerns. He has stressed the importance of the U.S. alliance while also calling for stronger independent defense capabilities.
At the same time, his government has worked to improve relations with Beijing. As a result, Wang’s visit could test how far Seoul can strengthen ties with China while maintaining its strategic partnership with Washington.
The meetings could also help prepare for further high-level exchanges. These are expected ahead of the APEC summit in Shenzhen in November and the 35th anniversary of South Korea-China diplomatic relations next year.
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