China Urges South Korea to Maintain Neutrality Among Major Powers

September 21, Kathmandu – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged South Korea on Thursday to adopt genuine strategic autonomy. He advised South Korea against aligning with any one side amid the rivalry among major powers. Wang called on Seoul to expand relations equally with both Beijing and Washington. According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang met with South Korean National Security Advisor Woo Sung-lac during which he stated, “China hopes that Seoul will achieve strategic autonomy, avoid bloc divisions or taking sides, and develop relations simultaneously with major powers like China and the United States without alienating either.”

During the meeting in Seoul, Wang also discussed establishing long-term peace on the Korean Peninsula. He said lasting peace can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of conflict. Emphasizing the need to end Washington’s hostile attitude towards North Korea, Wang added, “China hopes that all parties will take concrete steps to resume dialogue. This will help restore mutual trust. China wants to see the peninsula move towards peaceful coexistence. Ultimately, the arrangement for a ceasefire will transition into long-term peace.”

In a separate meeting, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed to Wang his intention to leverage the upcoming APEC summit as an opportunity to enhance bilateral relations. The summit is scheduled to be held in Southern China. According to China’s Xinhua news agency, Yoon said, “I look forward to attending the APEC summit in Shenzhen this November. I want to use this opportunity to work with China to elevate the South Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level.”

President Yoon praised the improving public perception of China in South Korea and expressed high expectations for strengthened comprehensive cooperation with China. During the meeting, Wang noted that South Korea’s policy towards China, described as “rational, pragmatic, and positive,” aligns with Seoul’s interests. He urged South Korea to maintain a friendly approach toward China. Highlighting the rise of trade protectionism globally, Wang called for accelerating the second phase of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement between China and South Korea.