South Korea’s foreign minister Cho Hyun has called for a pragmatic approach to relations with China, arguing that Seoul should neither fear Beijing’s rise nor underestimate its economic and diplomatic capabilities. His comments, published Saturday after talks in Beijing with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, come before a regional summit in China next week. The two ministers discussed bilateral ties, the Korean Peninsula and practical areas of cooperation. The remarks underline Seoul’s challenge of balancing security priorities with economic ties to China. Cho presented cooperation as a matter of national interest, while emphasizing the importance of South Korea’s own initiative and creativity. The statement does not announce a new treaty or a change in Seoul’s security alliances. Attention now turns to whether the summit produces specific commitments.
Source: Reuters, 14 November 2026.
