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 Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party and Foreign Minister, visited South Korea on August 19 and stated, "I hope that South Korea and North Korea will gradually follow the opportunity for peaceful coexistence." This remark is interpreted as aligning with the "two states theory" that North Korea has consistently advocated.

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 Cho Hyun at the annex of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Government Complex Seoul that afternoon, Minister Wang said, "I sincerely wish for ongoing stability and development on the Korean Peninsula." He continued, "As the most important neighboring country of 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 as we ought to."

This was Minister Wang's first visit to Seoul for a bilateral meeting in around five years since September 2021. Since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration, the first Korea-China foreign ministerial meeting was held in Beijing, China, in September last year, and this meeting marks the second.

Regarding Korea-China relations, Minister Wang said, "We frequently exchange visits and engage in exchanges. We constantly foster mutual trust and, through meaningful cooperation, bring more welfare to the peoples of both countries and promote regional peace and stability." He also noted the mutual visits by the leaders of Korea and China since the new administration took office, adding, "The Korea-China relationship has been steadily improving and developing in accordance with the direction indicated by the two leaders."

He emphasized, "In particular, this year, international circumstances have become increasingly volatile, affecting not only the security of the global supply chain but also the peace and stability of our region. As forever friendly and amicable neighbors, Korea and China must ensure healthy and sustainable development by taking a strategic perspective and focusing on the fundamental interests of both peoples."

In his own opening remarks, Minister Cho welcomed Minister Wang's visit, expressing, "I hope that 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 Jae-myung recently presented a blueprint for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula in his Liberation Day address, the South Korean government will continue efforts toward denuclearization and the realization of peace on the Korean Peninsula." Minister Cho further stated, "Based on the shared interests of Korea and China in peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, I look forward to cooperating together with China." He also offered his 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 ministerial meeting, originally scheduled for 6:00 p.m. that day, was slightly delayed as Minister Wang arrived 16 minutes late. Minister Wang entered the country earlier in the afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., via the Seoul Gimpo Business Aviation Center.

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