Seoul (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung began discussions on Saturday to rebuild relations between their two countries on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.
It was their first face-to-face discussions since Lee’s election in June, and Xi’s first trip to South Korea in more than ten years. This meeting follows discussions both leaders had with US President Donald Trump, during which Washington and Seoul made a deal on trade and investment.
What key issues are Xi and Lee expected to discuss?
Lee’s office has said that he and Xi will discuss the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.
“Relations between South Korea and China may seem free of major problems on the surface, but in reality, it’s difficult to say that the relationship has been fully normalised or restored,”
Lee said on Saturday, hours before his meeting with Xi.
“We must find ways to pursue cooperation that is mutually beneficial beyond simply restoring ties.”
How did relations between the two countries deteriorate in 2016?
According to reports, South Korea’s ties with China deteriorated sharply in 2016 after Seoul agreed in July to the U.S. THAAD missile defence system being deployed on its territory. The backdrop here was the increasing threat posed by North Korea’s missile tests and nuclear provocations. Beijing strongly opposed the decision.
In retaliation, China initiated comprehensive economic sanctions against South Korea as a form of coercive diplomacy. Sanctions included restricting Chinese business on South Korean soil, targeting large South Korean firms, forbidding group travel from China to South Korea and restricting cultural exchanges.
When did Xi last visit South Korea?
The last time Chinese President Xi Jinping visited South Korea was in July 2014, when he met with then-President Park Geun-hye.
President Xi and South Korean President Park Geun-hye discussed matters related to the Korean Peninsula in depth. They both affirmed their goal of denuclearisation and peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and observed the Joint Statement issued at the end of the fourth round of Six-Party Talks in 2005.
The two sides also resolved to move forward with the Korean Peninsula denuclearisation process and address the concerns of all relevant parties.
