Cheong Wa Dae: Yang Jiechi to Visit Korea on 21st... 'Key Agenda of Korea-China Summit' (Update)

Yang Jiechi, Member of the Chinese Political Bureau, Visits Busan on 21-22... Blue House: "Venue Chosen Considering China's Preference... Not Related to COVID-19"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Son Seon-hee, Kim Dong-pyo] The Blue House announced on the 19th that Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China responsible for foreign affairs, will visit South Korea on the 21st. Yang, who effectively oversees China's foreign affairs, is seen as a sign that President Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea is imminent.

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, held a briefing at the press center that morning and stated, "Yang, a member of the Chinese Central Political Bureau, is scheduled to visit Busan from the 21st to the 22nd at the invitation of Suh Hoon, Director of the National Security Office." He added, "Following a meeting with Yang on the morning of the 22nd, Director Suh will hold a luncheon discussion to exchange views on bilateral relations including cooperation in response to COVID-19, high-level exchanges, as well as issues of mutual interest such as the Korean Peninsula and international relations."

This visit by Yang is the first in about two years since July 2018. While the Blue House had previously been reserved about the visit, citing 'schedule coordination' in related reports, it officially confirmed Yang's visit on this day. It is expected that this visit will serve as an opportunity for the two governments to concretely coordinate President Xi's visit and the schedule for the Korea-China summit. If realized within this year, it will be the first visit by President Xi since the inauguration of the Moon Jae-in administration.

Regarding this, a senior Blue House official said, "It is expected to be one of the main agenda items," adding, "The two countries have been consulting to ensure that the summit can take place as soon as the COVID-19 situation stabilizes and conditions are met." Furthermore, the official added, "As the chair country of the Korea-China-Japan summit, discussions are also expected regarding the holding of related meetings and high-level visits following the easing of COVID-19."

However, concerning the decision to hold the visit in Busan rather than Seoul, the official explained, "The decision was made considering the Chinese side's schedule and preferences as well as consultations between the two countries," and emphasized, "The domestic COVID-19 spread issue has nothing to do with the choice of the meeting location." The official also expressed expectations, saying, "Since this is the first meeting between Director Suh and Yang since Suh's appointment, it is expected that frank and in-depth exchanges of views will be possible in a comfortable atmosphere."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.