Chinese President: Beijing Aims to Work with South Korea

Chinese President Xi Jinping clarified to South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Saturday that "Beijing intends to work with South Korea to elevate a strategic partnership that evolves over time," amid rising tensions surrounding Russia, the United States, and North Korea. Xi stated, "China places great importance on South Korea's positive willingness to commit to cooperation," and urged Seoul to reach a consensus to maintain the direction of friendly cooperation. He added that "the two countries can enhance mutually beneficial cooperative relations." Chinese state television reported that Xi met with the South Korean Prime Minister in Hangzhou, eastern China, before the opening of the Asian Games. The South Korean agency noted that Han requested Xi to play a constructive role with North Korea.