China Cautions South Korea on US and Japan Ties, Urges Stable Supply Chains

China has expressed concern over South Korea's deepening relations with the United States and Japan, citing the increasing strain on Beijing-Seoul ties. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during talks with his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae Yul, stressed the importance of managing the relationship and preventing external interference from escalating tensions.

Wang acknowledged the "difficulties and challenges facing South Korea-China relations" and emphasized Beijing's desire for a stable relationship. His remarks likely referred to the strengthening ties between Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo under the South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration.

Cho, in response, called for managing the relationship carefully to prevent disagreements from escalating into conflicts. He emphasized the need for both sides to work towards a positive development of bilateral relations.

The two foreign ministers also agreed to continue collaborating for the success of an upcoming summit between South Korea, China, and Japan. This trilateral summit, the first since 2019, is expected to take place in Seoul in late May.

Regarding North Korea, Cho expressed concern over Pyongyang's escalating rhetoric, provocations, and military cooperation with Russia. He urged China, North Korea's closest ally, to play a constructive role in promoting peace, stability, and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. Wang assured Cho that China would continue to do so.

The two ministers also discussed strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, including ensuring stable supply chains. Cho extended an invitation to Wang to visit South Korea, which the Chinese diplomat accepted.

This meeting marks Cho's first visit to China since assuming the post of foreign minister in January. It follows a similar meeting between his predecessor, Park Jin, and Wang in Qingdao in 2022.