Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Visits Seoul Amid Push for Korean War Peace Treaty

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi began a two day visit to Seoul on Wednesday to meet with South Korean officials, including Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and President Lee Jae Myung. During his meeting with Cho, Wang pledged that Beijing would continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The visit follows a recent Liberation Day address by President Lee, in which he proposed multiparty dialogue to formally end the 1950 to 1953 Korean War and replace the existing armistice system with a peace regime.

While Wang expressed hope for peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas, he remained cautious regarding China's role as a mediator. When asked if Beijing could facilitate a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong un, Wang stated the matter was for those two countries to decide. He added that the United States should change its longstanding hostile policy toward North Korea.

The diplomatic meetings occur as President Trump has signaled a desire to revive engagement with Kim Jong un, including ordering a reduction in combined military exercises with Seoul. Despite these movements, reports indicate that North Korea has remained largely unresponsive to President Lee's rapprochement efforts since he took office in June 2025.

Wang's itinerary includes a courtesy call on President Lee at Cheong Wa Dae and a meeting with National Security Adviser Wi Sung lac. Officials noted that the talks also serve to prepare for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen this November and the upcoming 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.