South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks to reporters at Gimpo airport on September 17, 2025, prior to his departure for Beijing to attend China-South Korea foreign ministers' meeting. Photo: VCG

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, while departing for Beijing for the South Korea-China foreign ministers' meeting on Wednesday, said the agenda of the meeting would be ways to develop South Korea-China cooperation and ease tensions in Northeast Asia, South Korean media reported. 

The upcoming talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be the first such top-level diplomatic talks between the two countries since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung government in early June. The talks will be followed by a working dinner.

In the foreign policy line finalized Tuesday, the Lee government said it will seek to advance relations with China in various areas, such as supply chain stability, reported Yonhap News Agency.

Regarding disputes over Chinese structures in the Yellow Sea, Cho stated at the airport, "While neighboring countries should get along well, if there are undesirable issues, they must be clearly pointed out," and emphasized, "We will raise the issue and seek a swift resolution," the Chosun Daily reported.

He added, "China is a very important neighbor to us," and said, "We will explore developmental directions for South Korea-China relations and discuss pending issues."

The talks come as South Korea seeks to balance relations with Beijing while bolstering ties with its sole ally, the US, and the trilateral partnership with Washington and Tokyo, according to Yonhap.

Cho himself, after taking office, pledged in August to maintain China-South Korea relations with a pragmatic approach, and "seek common ground while managing differences" with China. President Lee had also expressed willingness to develop China ties, including sending a special envoy with his personal letter on 33rd anniversary of the establishment of China-South Korea relations. 

Global Times