In ‘2+2’ talks, China and South Korea agree to push for more ‘political trust’

Meeting results in candid exchange of views but is not linked to Russian president’s visit to North Korea, Chinese foreign ministry says

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Tuesday’s meeting was the first of its kind since the 2+2 dialogue was upgraded to the vice-ministerial level in 2020. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:00pm, 19 Jun 2024

Beijing and Seoul agreed to more dialogue to foster “political trust and promote practical cooperation” during high-level foreign affairs and defence talks in the South Korean capital on Tuesday.

As part of the “2+2 dialogue” in Seoul, Chinese foreign vice-minister Sun Weidong and Zhang Baoqun, deputy director of the Chinese military’s international cooperation office, met South Korean foreign vice-minister Kim Hong-kyun and Lee Seung-beom, director general for international policy at the defence ministry.

The two sides “had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the bilateral relations and international regional issues of mutual interest” and outlined their diplomatic and security policies, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

The Chinese delegation also met South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul.

04:13

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Pyongyang to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un

The 2+2 dialogue was set up in 2002 and has been held five times. Tuesday’s meeting was the first since it was upgraded to the vice-ministerial level in 2020 under the administration of former South Korean president Moon Jae-in.