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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea

Outcome of ROK-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting (September 17)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea

2025-09-17

1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun had a bilateral meeting and working dinner with Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, China, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm (180 minutes) on Wednesday, September 17. The two Ministers exchanged views on issues of interest to both sides, including ROK-China relations and the Korean Peninsula issue.

2. Minister Cho said that today's meeting, being the first ROK-China Foreign Ministers' meeting since the launch of the new government, is meaningful for the development of bilateral relations. He said that on the occasion of the Gyeongju APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the two sides should work together to ensure that the development of ROK-China relations leads to deliverables that substantially contribute to the livelihoods of the peoples of the two countries. Minister Wang said that he welcomes Minister Cho's visit to China, and that furthering ROK-China relations on the occasion of both countries' hosting of APEC this year and next year carries significance for China as well.

3. Minister Cho said that it is the position of our government that, while firmly developing the ROK-U.S. alliance, we will also promote the mature development of the "ROK-China Strategic Cooperative Partnership" based on national interest and practicality. He said that efforts should continue to strengthen the public support base for the development of ROK-China relations, such as enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries and promoting friendly sentiment. Minister Wang underscored that China will continue to maintain the stability and continuity of its friendly policy toward Korea, and said that the two sides should continue to work together to further develop the "ROK-China Strategic Cooperative Partnership" to a higher level.

4. Minister Cho noted that, as the structure of economic cooperation between Korea and China is shifting from a vertical division of labor to horizontal cooperation, the model of economic cooperation between the two countries should also evolve in line with the trends of the times. He added that the two countries should continue communication and cooperation at all levels so that the mutually beneficial cooperative relationship between Korea and China can continue to contribute to the livelihoods of their peoples. The two Ministers also agreed to continue regional cooperation by utilizing the ROK-China-Japan cooperation mechanism.

5. In addition, Minister Cho stressed that matters of interest to the other side, including the West Sea issue, should be respected, and requested China's particular cooperation to ensure the safety of Korean nationals in China and protect their rights and interests.

6. Meanwhile, Minister Cho said that our government is pursuing substantive progress toward realizing denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation, and urged China to make efforts to bring North Korea back to dialogue. Minister Wang stated that China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and suggested maintaining communication on this matter.

7. Minister Cho invited Minister Wang to visit Korea before the Gyeongju APEC, and Minister Wang reciprocated the invitation by saying he looks forward to meeting Minister Cho in Korea soon.

8. Minister Wang, on behalf of the Chinese government, expressed its deepest condolences for the noble sacrifice of Sergeant Lee Jae-seok, who lost his life in the line of duty while rescuing a Chinese national.



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