President Yoon Seok-yeol and Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed visiting Korea and China at a bilateral meeting held in Lima, Peru, where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit was held on the 15th (local time).
![President Yan and Xi Jinping propose a visit to Korea and China [청계천 옆 사진관]](https://dimg.donga.com/wps/NEWS/IMAGE/2024/11/16/130438480.1.jpeg "President Yan and Xi Jinping propose a visit to Korea and China [청계천 옆 사진관]")
According to the President’s Office, President Xi first proposed a visit to China to President Yoon. In response, President Yoon also responded, “I hope that President Xi will naturally visit Korea since we will be hosting the APEC Gyeongju meeting next year.” President Xi has not visited Korea in over 10 years since July 2014, during the time of former President Park Geun-hye. President Yoon has not visited China since taking office, and former President Moon Jae-in’s last visit was in December 2019.
In addition, during this meeting, President Yoon asked China to play a constructive role in responding to North Korea’s provocations and military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. In response, President Xi said, “I do not want tension on the Korean Peninsula.” This Korea-China summit was held two years after it was held on the occasion of the Indonesian G20 summit in November 2022. It is reported that the summit, which lasted for 29 minutes on this day, involved an in-depth exchange of opinions on security, economy, culture, etc. without limiting the agenda. Attention is being paid to whether the improving atmosphere between Korea and
Lima (Peru) = Reporter Song Eun-seok [email protected]
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How might President Yoon’s call for China to influence North Korea impact future interactions between Korea and China?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Geopolitical Expert on Korea-China Relations
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment! Today, we have Dr. Lisa Chen, a prominent expert on East Asian geopolitics, to discuss the recent developments from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, where South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Chen.
Dr. Lisa Chen: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss such critical topics.
Editor: Dr. Chen, during the summit, both leaders expressed a desire for President Xi to visit Korea. What significance does this proposed visit hold, especially considering it’s been over ten years since a Chinese president visited South Korea?
Dr. Chen: This proposed visit is highly significant. It signals a willingness to renew and strengthen diplomatic ties. Given the backdrop of their meeting, where mutual interests were highlighted, it suggests both nations are seeking to stabilize their relationship after a period of tension. When a leader makes a state visit, it often represents a deepening of bilateral ties, and after such a long gap, it could set the stage for meaningful collaborations in the future.
Editor: Indeed, and President Yoon also highlighted the upcoming APEC meeting in Gyeongju next year. How do you see this affecting Korea-China relations?
Dr. Chen: Hosting the APEC meeting will provide South Korea with a platform to assert its diplomatic influence in the region. It creates an opportunity for both nations to showcase their commitment to multilateralism and cooperation on pressing issues. By inviting Xi to visit, Yoon is effectively indicating that South Korea is ready to foster dialogue and work closely with China on various shared challenges.
Editor: Speaking of challenges, President Yoon urged China to play a constructive role regarding North Korea’s provocations. How likely is China to act on this request?
Dr. Chen: This is a nuanced issue. China has historically taken a more cautious approach when dealing with North Korea, often balancing its strategic interests with regional security. Xi’s statement, expressing a desire to avoid tension on the Korean Peninsula, suggests a recognition of the risks associated with North Korean provocations. However, China’s actions will depend on its broader geopolitical calculations, including its relationship with the United States and its own security considerations.
Editor: The summit lasted only 29 minutes, yet it covered a range of topics from security to culture. Does this indicate a shift in how both nations view their relationship?
Dr. Chen: Yes, the breadth of the discussion reflects an acknowledgment that bilateral relations cannot be reduced to singular issues like trade or security. It also signals a desire to cultivate a more holistic partnership. Both parties will likely need to navigate complex interdependencies, and this type of dialogue is essential for building trust and cooperation on multiple fronts.
Editor: As an expert, what should we look for in the coming months regarding Korea-China relations following this summit?
Dr. Chen: Keep an eye on the diplomatic activities surrounding the APEC meeting in Gyeongju. We’ll likely see more formal communications and perhaps joint statements from both governments as they prepare for this significant event. Additionally, any movements related to North Korea will be closely monitored, as they could either hinder or facilitate better relations between Korea and China.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your insights! It’s clear that the dynamics between Korea and China remain intricate and essential for regional stability.
Dr. Chen: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. I look forward to seeing how these relationships evolve in the future.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for joining us! Stay tuned for more updates on global affairs.