FM Cho heads to China for talks with Wang Yi on bilateral ties, prospects for NK-US dialogue

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun embarked on a trip to China on Friday, where he will engage in discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, regarding bilateral relations and matters concerning the Korean Peninsula. Among the topics on the agenda is the prospect of reestablishing dialogue between the United States and North Korea.

Cho's itinerary includes a subsequent meeting with Wang, followed by a dinner hosted by the Chinese foreign minister, as announced by the foreign ministry. Cho informed reporters at Gimpo International Airport prior to his departure that the primary goal of the visit is to address the state of bilateral relations, with a focus on areas that require coordination between the two nations in preparation for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

This trip precedes President Lee Jae Myung's scheduled visit to China for the APEC summit in Shenzhen, set to take place from Wednesday to Thursday, and the ministerial meeting is anticipated to serve as a foundation for a potential encounter between President Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The discussions with China will encompass various issues, with a particular emphasis on North Korea-related matters, including the potential for U.S.-North Korean talks.