China’s Xi Jinping plays up close ties with South Korea in Yoon Suk-yeol call
- Chinese president describes the two countries as inseparable partners in conversation with Seoul’s incoming leader
- Yoon is known for a pro-Washington outlook and used anti-Chinese rhetoric in his campaign
In the call – described by South Korea officials as unprecedented – Xi said China and South Korea were inseparable cooperative partners.
“China and South Korea are permanent neighbours and inseparable partners. China always attaches great importance to China-South Korea relations,” Chinese state broadcaster CCTV quoted Xi as saying.
“At present, the international community is facing multiple challenges, and China and South Korea have the responsibility to maintain regional peace and promote world prosperity.”
He said China was willing to work with South Korea to ensure stability in global industrial and supply chains, and maintain the international system with the United Nations as the core.
South Korean officials said it was the first time the Chinese president had spoken to an incoming overseas leader before taking office.