Key facts
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in South Korea on Wednesday, Aug. 19, for a two-day visit.
- Wang Yi will hold talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, President Lee Jae Myung, and National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac.
- Discussions will focus on bilateral relations, regional security, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
- The visit follows President Lee Jae Myung's proposal for multiparty talks to formally end the Korean War.
- Preparations for the upcoming APEC summit in Shenzhen are also expected to be discussed.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was set to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday, Aug. 19, for a two-day visit aimed at discussing bilateral ties and the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The trip follows President Lee Jae Myung's recent proposal for multiparty talks to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War.
Wang Yi's itinerary includes one-on-one talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Wednesday, covering bilateral issues, regional security, and international matters. A ministry spokesperson noted that the discussions are expected to review progress in South Korea-China relations and prepare for future high-level exchanges ahead of the APEC summit in November.
On Thursday, Wang is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Lee, with discussions anticipated to focus on developing Seoul-Beijing relations and regional security. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac will also meet with Wang to address the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.
President Lee's proposal for ending the Korean War, made during his Liberation Day speech, emphasized peaceful coexistence with North Korea and conflict prevention. While North Korea has not responded to Seoul's overtures since Lee took office in June 2025, discussions on this proposed dialogue are expected to be on the agenda between Wang and Cho.
The two sides are also likely to discuss expanding cooperation ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seoul and Beijing next year. Wang last visited Seoul in September 2021, and he and Cho last met in Beijing in September 2025.