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Wang Yi Declines to Back South Korea's Peace Initiative as China Seeks Strategic Influence on Korean Peninsula

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded a visit to Seoul, where he declined to support South Korea's push for multiparty peace talks involving North Korea. While both nations reported that bilateral ties have fully recovered, Wang Yi urged South Korea to pursue "genuine strategic autonomy" and avoid taking sides in the broader bloc confrontation between Beijing and Washington. This diplomatic engagement occurs as the administration signals a renewed interest in North Korea, with President Trump indicating a desire to restitute direct dialogue with Kim Jong Un. To influence the terms of future negotiations, Beijing is positioning itself as an essential mediator, seeking to ensure that any new diplomatic process does not develop without substantial Chinese involvement. Wang Yi also announced that Beijing is actively considering a summit between the leaders of South Korea and China. During the visit, Wang Yi met with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who accepted an invitation to visit China. The visit highlights China's effort to shape the regional diplomatic balance as the United States reduces the scale of joint military exercises with South Korea.

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