President Lee Jae Myung is set to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Seoul this week, Lee’s office said, as Washington extends overtures to Pyongyang, Beijing’s key ally.
Wang’s visit is taking place after US President Donald Trump claimed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had responded to his recent overtures, praising his relationship with Kim.
China, Washington’s chief geopolitical rival, is a key diplomatic and economic backer of North Korea, while also remaining the South’s largest trading partner.
“President Lee will discuss the future direction of South Korea-China relations and the regional situation and convey his greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping,” Seoul’s presidential Blue House said, adding that the meeting will take place tomorrow.
Wang will also hold talks and have lunch with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and meet Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, the statement said.
Wang and Wi will discuss South Korea-China ties and regional and global issues, including “the situation on the Korean Peninsula”, it added. — AFP
