- As China and the Republic of Korea approach the 34th anniversary of diplomatic relations, there is a renewed opportunity to inject fresh vitality into their strategic cooperative partnership.
- During the meeting, Wang clearly expressed the hope that the ROK will pursue an independent foreign policy and develop relations with other countries in parallel without conflict, based on its fundamental interests.
- Both sides discussed accelerating the second phase of negotiations on the China-ROK Free Trade Agreement, which promises to enhance openness in the service and investment sectors.
- The upcoming 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen in November is a platform for deepening regional cooperation.
- China and the ROK have long enjoyed a robust economic and trade relationship, with annual bilateral trade volume surpassing $330 billion, and China has remained the ROK's largest trading partner for more than two decades.
- By expanding cooperation in high-value-added sectors and tapping into new growth drivers such as artificial intelligence, green transition and the digital economy, they can further unlock the potential of their economic integration.
- It is essential that the ROK not yield to pressure from the United States to join the geopolitical rivalry against China, particularly in high-tech fields where export restrictions on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment are a concern.
- The souring of China-ROK relations after the ROK's deployment of the US' Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile system in 2016 underscores that economic integration cannot fully insulate bilateral ties from strategic mistrust.
- As Cho noted, the two sides can work to ensure that China-ROK relations contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the broader region.
Wang Yi's visit to South Korea marks a significant moment as the two nations celebrate 34 years of diplomatic ties. The meeting with ROK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun aims to enhance their strategic partnership and address the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
With annual trade exceeding $330 billion, China remains the ROK's largest trading partner, providing vast opportunities for South Korean industries. Wang emphasized the need for both countries to expand cooperation in high-value sectors like artificial intelligence and the digital economy, which could unlock further economic integration.678
The discussions also highlighted the importance of maintaining an independent foreign policy for the ROK, especially in light of pressures from the United States regarding high-tech exports. Wang expressed hope that the ROK would pursue relations with other nations without conflict, reflecting a desire for stability in the region.29
The souring of relations post-2016, following the deployment of the US' Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, serves as a reminder that economic ties cannot fully shield against strategic mistrust. As Cho noted, both nations can work together to ensure their relationship contributes to peace on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.10
Looking ahead, the upcoming 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen presents an opportunity for deeper regional cooperation, addressing shared challenges like climate change and promoting sustainable development.5
“Bilateral trade surpasses $330 billion annually, with China remaining the ROK's largest trading partner for over two decades. Wang urged Seoul to resist US pressure on semiconductor export restrictions and pursue an independent foreign policy, while both sides look to the 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen for regional cooperation.”
