Wang Yi Arrives 16 Minutes Late for Diplomatic Talks, Says He Hopes for 'Two States' Peaceful Coexistence between South and North Korea (Updated)

Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office of the Chinese Communist Party and Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Korea on August 19 and stated, "I hope that both South Korea and North Korea can gradually follow the path toward peaceful coexistence." This remark is interpreted as aligning with North Korea's ongoing advocacy of the "two states theory."

Foreign Minister Chohyun and Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office of the Chinese Communist Party and Foreign Minister of China, shake hands and pose for a commemorative photo on August 19, 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Government Seoul Building, Jongno-gu, Seoul, during the Korea-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting. [Joint Coverage] jeong@yna.co.kr Yonhap News Agency

In his opening statement ahead of a meeting with Foreign Minister Chohyun at the annex of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Government Seoul Building that afternoon, Wang said, "I sincerely wish for the continued stability and development of the Korean Peninsula." He added, "As the most important neighboring country to the Korean Peninsula, China will continue to play a constructive role for peace, development, and stability on the Korean Peninsula," and emphasized, "We will make every effort that is expected of us."

This bilateral visit by Wang for talks is his first to South Korea in about five years, since September 2021. Since the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration, this Korea-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting is the second, following the first that was held in Beijing, China in September last year.

Regarding Korea-China relations, Wang stated, "We visit and interact with each other frequently. We are constantly advancing mutual trust and, through substantive cooperation, delivering more welfare to our peoples and promoting regional peace and stability." He also noted that, following the inauguration of the new administration, both presidents conducted mutual visits, and evaluated that, "Korea-China relations are continuously improving and developing in a stable manner, in line with the direction outlined by our leaders."

He further remarked, "Especially this year, the international situation has become increasingly complex, not only shaking global supply chain security, but also impacting peace and stability in our region." He stressed, "As permanently friendly and amicable neighbors, Korea and China must take a strategic perspective, focus on the fundamental interests of our peoples, and ensure healthy and sustainable development."

In his earlier opening remarks, Minister Chohyun welcomed Wang's visit and said, "I hope the achievements in restoring Korea-China relations can contribute to peace and stability in the region, including the Korean Peninsula." He added, "As President Lee Jaemyung presented a blueprint for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula in his recent Liberation Day address, the Korean government will continue to strive for denuclearization and peace on the Peninsula." He further stated, "We look forward to cooperating with China based on our shared interest in peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." Minister Chohyun also expressed condolences on the recent passing of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji.

Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office of the Chinese Communist Party and Minister of Foreign Affairs, is entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Government Seoul Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 19th to attend the Korea-China Foreign Ministers Meeting and official dinner. August 19, 2026. [Joint Coverage] jeong@yna.co.kr Yonhap News Agency

Meanwhile, the Korea-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting was originally scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. on August 19, but was delayed due to Wang's arrival 16 minutes late. He had previously entered the country via the Seoul Gimpo Business Aviation Center at around 4:30 p.m. that day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.