China, South Korea announce 2+2 security dialogue

The bilateral diplomatic and security dialogue will be co-chaired by South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Yonhap news agency reported on June 17. Other senior officials from the two countries' defense ministries will also participate in the dialogue.

The two sides are expected to exchange views on topics of mutual interest such as bilateral relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula as well as regional and global issues, according to the announcement.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (R) shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul on May 26, 2024.

On the same day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said: "The establishment of the 2+2 dialogue mechanism between China and South Korea is to meet the needs of developing bilateral relations. China will focus on exchanging views with South Korea on how to develop and improve relations as well as strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields." Mr. Lin emphasized that the date of the 2+2 dialogue was set a long time ago and has nothing to do with other countries.

Holding the 2+2 talks is part of the commitment reached between the two countries when South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol met face-to-face with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of a trilateral summit with Japan late last month. Accordingly, the leaders of China and South Korea resumed negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, in addition to agreeing on the upcoming 2+2 dialogue.

The China-South Korea relationship, which has traditionally enjoyed strong trade cooperation, has been tested in recent years amid Seoul's deepening security cooperation with Washington.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trung-quoc-han-quoc-tuyen-bo-to-chuc-doi-thoai-an-ninh-22-185240617210715055.htm