In a significant diplomatic engagement, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping convened in Gyeongju, South Korea, to discuss pressing regional issues and bolster bilateral relations. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, focused on North Korea’s denuclearization and expanded economic cooperation between the two nations. President Lee urged Xi to play a more active role in persuading North Korea to return to negotiations, emphasizing the importance of peace on the Korean Peninsula for regional prosperity. Xi, in response, pledged continued efforts to promote stability and resolve issues concerning the Korean Peninsula. The discussions also highlighted China’s strategic position as North Korea’s traditional ally, though questions remain about Beijing’s influence over Pyongyang. Meanwhile, North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho criticized South Korea’s denuclearization efforts as unrealistic. Beyond North Korea, the two leaders signed agreements to combat online scams, expand a bilateral free trade deal, and renew a currency swap agreement. The APEC summit concluded with a joint statement reaffirming the importance of trade and investment for regional growth, despite ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions. The leaders also addressed emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence, demographic shifts, and urbanization, underscoring the need for multilateral cooperation in a rapidly changing global landscape.
South Korea calls for greater Chinese efforts to bring North Korea back to talks
