Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit South Korea for two days from August 19 to 20, 2026, for official bilateral talks with South Korean leaders, marking his first such visit since 2021 [1, 2, 3]. Wang will meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun to discuss bilateral relations, developments on the Korean Peninsula, as well as regional and international issues [1, 3].
The visit follows a series of high-level engagements between the two countries, including South Korean President Lee’s visit to China in January 2026 and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to South Korea in October 2025 for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting [3]. Wang Yi last came to Seoul in 2023 but only attended a trilateral foreign ministers meeting, not a bilateral trip [3].
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that China and South Korea maintain good relations and normal communication across various levels [3]. The visit comes amid shifting dynamics in U.S.-South Korea relations, including reductions in joint military exercises initiated by former President Donald Trump [2].
Earlier exchanges include a September 2025 foreign ministers meeting held in Beijing [3]. Wang Yi’s upcoming visit is seen as part of renewed diplomatic engagement between Beijing and Seoul [3].
The talks will offer an opportunity to address the evolving regional security situation and strengthen cooperation. Wang Yi is scheduled to arrive in Seoul on August 19 and depart on August 20 after concluding meetings with South Korean officials [1, 2, 3].
