Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Xi Jinping of China Declares Willingness to Play Constructive Role in Korean Peninsula Issues"

No Mention in Presidential Office Press Release After the Meeting

President Yoon Suk-yeol shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] It has been confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping recently mentioned during a summit with President Yoon Suk-yeol that he would "continue to play a constructive role" regarding the Korean Peninsula issue. Although the materials released by the presidential office immediately after the summit did not include this remark, leading to analyses that China was somewhat distancing itself from the North Korean issue, it was later confirmed that Xi did mention playing a certain 'role.'

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 17th at a meeting with reporters, "The two leaders expressed concern over the recent continuous provocations by North Korea and the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, confirming their shared recognition that such situations do not align with the interests of both countries."

The official added, "Going forward, the two leaders agreed to cooperate through closer and more candid communication."

After the first face-to-face summit between the South Korean and Chinese leaders on the 15th in Bali, Indonesia, the press release from the presidential office did not include any expression that the Chinese side would play a 'constructive role.' At that time, the presidential office introduced that "President Xi said that South Korea and China share common interests in the Korean Peninsula issue, that peace must be preserved, and that he hopes South Korea will actively improve inter-Korean relations."

Initially, it was analyzed that President Xi emphasized South Korea's role in improving inter-Korean relations and somewhat distanced himself from the 'China role theory,' but it was later revealed that he did mention China's role to some extent.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained, "Although press releases contain important content, there are cases where some parts are omitted," and clarified that China's statement about playing a constructive role in the Korean Peninsula issue is not a new remark but a consistently expressed position.

Additionally, the official conveyed that the Chinese side also mentioned regarding the South Korean government's 'Bold Initiative,' "They value the Bold Initiative and will support it if conditions arise to promote this initiative depending on North Korea's attitude."

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