(LEAD) Chinese FM pledges to keep playing 'constructive role' for peace on Korean Peninsula

SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged on Wednesday to maintain China's constructive efforts towards peace on the Korean Peninsula, expressing optimism for a harmonious coexistence between the two Koreas during a meeting with his South Korean counterpart in Seoul. The discussions between Wang and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun took place shortly after President Lee Jae Myung proposed a multiparty dialogue to formally conclude the 1950-53 Korean War.

The two diplomats engaged in detailed deliberations on areas of common concern, including bilateral relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and regional and global issues. This marked their first encounter in 11 months, following their previous talks in Beijing last September.

Cho, in his opening remarks, hoped that advancements in restoring bilateral ties would bolster peace and stability across the region, including on the Korean Peninsula. He reiterated the South Korean government's commitment to achieving denuclearization and lasting peace on the peninsula, building upon President Lee Jae Myung's vision expressed in his recent Liberation Day address.

Cho expressed his hope for sustained bilateral cooperation, driven by shared interests in fostering peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Wang assured that China would continue to play a pivotal role in promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing the peninsula's most significant neighboring country. He reiterated his sincere wish for lasting stability and progress in the region, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue between South Korea and North Korea.

Prior to the meeting, Park Doo-soon, the ministry's spokesperson, indicated that the talks would serve as an opportunity to review the progress made in restoring South Korea-China relations and to prepare for subsequent high-level exchanges ahead of the APEC summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen, China. On Thursday, Wang will pay a courtesy visit to President Lee at Cheong Wa Dae, where they will discuss the evolution of Seoul-Beijing relations and regional security matters.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac will hold a separate meeting with Wang to address the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and other matters of mutual interest.

Wang's visit follows President Lee Jae Myung's call for multiparty dialogue to formally end the Korean War in his Liberation Day speech last Saturday, emphasizing his commitment to peaceful coexistence with North Korea and exploring ways to avert conflicts. The 1950-53 Korean War concluded with an armistice, leaving the divided Koreas technically in a state of war to this day.

Lee's speech was widely interpreted as reinforcing his vision for enhanced inter-Korean relations and Seoul's role in facilitating dialogue between the North and the United States. Despite President Lee's efforts, North Korea has largely remained unresponsive to Seoul's rapprochement since Lee assumed office in June 2025.