South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Chinese Communist Party Politburo, met in Tokyo on Friday to discuss the strained relations between their countries. The two ministers agreed to work together to improve the situation, with a focus on Chinese President Xi Jinping's potential visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit to be held in Gyeongju, South Korea, this year.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated in 2017 when China reacted strongly to the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system by U.S. forces in South Korea. This led to retaliatory measures that restricted the flow of South Korean culture into China.
The ministers also confirmed that they would strengthen economic ties, with observers suggesting that China may use trade promotion as leverage to disrupt the cooperative relationship between Japan, the United States, and South Korea.
Cho urged China to play a constructive role in halting Pyongyang's provocations and promoting the denuclearization of North Korea.
5 Comments
Martin L King
China using trade as leverage? Sounds like their usual manipulative tactics.
Rolihlahla
China's involvement in the Korean peninsula is a recipe for disaster.
G P Floyd Jr
This summit is a sign of hope for a better future for all involved.
Rolihlahla
Let's support the efforts of South Korea and China to foster peace and cooperation.
Katchuka
We should commend both countries for their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.