South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has urged China to play a constructive role in promoting peace and denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula. During a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Cho expressed hope that improving North Korea–China relations would contribute to regional stability rather than embolden Pyongyang’s military ambitions, according to Seoul’s foreign ministry.
Why It Matters
The appeal comes amid heightened tensions following North Korea’s recent missile launches and growing military cooperation with Russia. With China serving as Pyongyang’s key ally and economic lifeline, Seoul views Beijing’s engagement as pivotal to curbing North Korea’s nuclear advances and maintaining balance in Northeast Asia.
South Korea is striving to preserve stability while managing its security alliance with the United States and its economic reliance on China. For Beijing, North Korea remains both a strategic buffer and a diplomatic challenge, while Washington continues to push for stronger deterrence measures and renewed sanctions.
Future Outlook
Seoul’s outreach signals its intent to keep dialogue open with China despite rising great-power competition. Whether Beijing chooses to leverage its influence to steer Pyongyang toward restraint or allow deeper alignment against the West will be crucial in determining the next phase of regional security and denuclearisation efforts.
With information from Reuters.