In Seoul meeting with Wang Yi, South Korean president voices hope for closer China ties

In Seoul meeting with Wang Yi, South Korean president voices hope for closer China ties3-MIN READ3-MIN3ListenPublished: 5:37pm, 20 Aug 2026South Korean President Lee Jae Myung told visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday he would use the coming Apec leaders’ meeting in southern China to elevate bilateral ties, as Seoul and Beijing step up diplomatic rapprochement.“I look forward to travelling to Shenzhen in November to attend the Apec summit, using it as a major opportunity to work with China to elevate the China-strategic-cooperative-partnership" class="entity-link entity-topic" data-entity-id="189475" data-entity-type="topic">South Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level,” Lee was quoted as saying by Chinese agency Xinhua.Hailing the improved public perception of China in South Korea, Lee told Wang there were high expectations for strengthening comprehensive cooperation with China.01:53Trump orders Pentagon chief to cut number of joint military exercises with South KoreaIn the meeting, Wang said a “rational, pragmatic and positive” China policy aligned with Seoul’s interests, and he urged South Korea to maintain a friendly policy towards China.