23rd September 2023 – (Beijing) In a meeting held on Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with South Korea to advance their strategic partnership in line with the changing times. The meeting took place in Hangzhou, China, prior to the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, according to China Central Television (CCTV).
This commitment to cooperation comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions involving Russia, the United States, and North Korea. It also precedes the scheduled trilateral talks between China, Japan, and South Korea, set to be held in Seoul on 26th September. These talks mark the first summit led by senior officials from the three countries in four years.
During the meeting, President Xi conveyed his appreciation for the summit, considering it an opportune moment. He also expressed his serious consideration of visiting South Korea, as reported by Yonhap. However, the Chinese statement released did not specifically mention Xi’s comment on the summit or a potential visit to Seoul.
President Xi acknowledged the positive willingness of South Korea to engage in cooperation and emphasized the importance China attaches to it. He urged South Korea to meet China halfway in order to maintain the direction of friendly cooperation. The president further highlighted the potential for the two countries to deepen their mutually beneficial collaborations.