China, S. Korea in talks to plan top-level summit in September: Yonhap

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Aug 2023 17:22

A senior government official says diplomats of the two countries are exchanging "elementary views" on holding the top-level meeting.

The flags of China and South Korea (CGTN)

South Korea and China are in talks to organize a summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in early September, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported on Tuesday, citing South Korean officials.

A senior government official told the news agency that diplomats of the two countries are exchanging "elementary views" on holding the top-level meeting.

The report pointed out that the meeting could take place on the sidelines of a multilateral summit event early next month.

"Positive signals" have been highlighted regarding the recent development of the bilateral ties between the two countries, the news agency also said, citing a presidency official.

Earlier in August, China lifted a ban on group tours to South Korea that had been in place for over six years amid tensions in bilateral ties.

The last time the leaders of South Korea and China held a bilateral meeting was on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali last November.

Recently, Beijing formally registered its objections to a statement issued at an unprecedented summit involving leaders from the United States, South Korea, and Japan, in which they condemned China's "aggressive behavior".

The summit, hosted by US President Joe Biden at Camp David, marks the initiation of a new phase of close security cooperation among the three nations against China.

Beijing responded by denouncing the leaders for their criticism of China on issues related to Taiwan and maritime affairs.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the leaders' statement amounted to an unwarranted interference in China's internal matters and an attempt to sow discord between China and its neighboring countries.