Amidst escalating tensions involving Russia, the US, and the DPRK, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday communicated his willingness to cooperate with South Korea in advancing a contemporary strategic partnership during discussions with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Saturday.

According to China Central Television (CCTV), Xi engaged in talks with Han in the city of Hangzhou in eastern China just before the commencement of the Asian Games' opening ceremony.

This commitment to cooperation comes ahead of a scheduled trilateral meeting set to take place in Seoul on September 26, involving China, Japan, and South Korea. The talks will mark the first summit led by senior officials from these countries in four years.

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Xi expressed his anticipation for the summit and stated that he is seriously considering the possibility of visiting South Korea, as reported by Yonhap news agency on Saturday. However, it's noteworthy that the Chinese statement did not reference Xi's remarks concerning the summit or a potential visit to Seoul.

Xi underscored China's significant regard for South Korea's positive inclination toward cooperation and urged South Korea to meet halfway to sustain the path of friendship. He emphasized that both nations have the potential to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.

Tensions escalated between the two East Asian nations following DPRK leader Kim Jong Un's weeklong trip to Russia earlier this month, a move that drew criticism from the US, Japan, and South Korea.

In response, South Korea implemented sanctions targeting ten individuals and two entities. These sanctions were imposed in connection with the DPRK's nuclear program and its trade in weapons with three countries, including Russia, as announced by the foreign ministry on Thursday.

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