The BRICS TimesSouth Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung and China’s Xi Jinping held their first meeting at the APEC summit. They discussed resuming talks with North Korea and strengthening their bilateral relationship.
Historic Summit Marks New Era for Seoul-Beijing Ties
A significant diplomatic step occurred between South Korea and China during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation APEC summit. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, recently elected, hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time on Saturday. The meeting took place in Gyeongju, South Korea. Both leaders considered several crucial issues during the state-level gathering and a dinner. Notably, Xi Jinping visited South Korea after nearly a decade. This trip is expected to inject new energy into the relations between the two countries.
Plea for North Korea Dialogue
During the meeting, President Lee Jae-myung asked China for help in resuming dialogue with North Korea. He mentioned recent high-level talks between China and North Korea. These talks, he suggested, show a favorable environment is developing for discussions with Pyongyang. Lee stated, “I want South Korea and China to leverage this positive atmosphere to strengthen strategic communication and restart dialogue with North Korea.”
Why This Meeting is Crucial
According to a Reuters report, this summit was vital for both nations economically and politically. Lee Jae-myung gifted Xi Jinping a high-quality wooden board for the traditional Chinese strategy game ‘Go’ during the meeting. He also expressed South Korea’s wish to bring China closer as its largest trading partner.
Xi Jinping’s View on Bilateral Ties
In his address, Xi Jinping stated, “China and South Korea are important neighbors. They can neither be moved nor separated. Both nations must move forward with cooperation and trust.”
Key Discussion Points Between the Leaders
The leaders also discussed regional stability, strengthening economic ties, and maintaining the security balance in Asia. South Korea, a strategic ally of the United States, advocated a phased approach to North Korea’s nuclear disarmament. However, North Korea has rejected this proposal. They called it an “impossible dream.”
Kim Jong Un’s Stance on the US
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently said he would only talk to the US if America completely abandoned its nuclear disarmament preconditions. This statement has escalated regional tension. However, this meeting between South Korea and China is seen as a new hope for peace restoration in this direction.
