South Korea Foreign Minister says to discuss Xi’s APEC attendance during China visit

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Wednesday (September 17, 2025) he will be discussing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s attendance at the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum being hosted by Korea in late October during his visit to Beijing.

Speaking ahead of his departure for a two-day trip to China, Mr. Cho said he would be hearing from Chinese officials about a recent visit to Beijing by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to attend a World War Two anniversary event.

“China is an important neighbour of ours with the two countries being strategic partners,” Mr. Cho told reporters, adding he would be discussing developing cooperation further with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

“I understand President Xi Jinping is going to visit South Korea for the APEC meeting,” Mr. Cho said. “We will also be discussing details about that.”

South Korea has invited Mr. Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump to the summit that starts on October 31 in the city of Gyeongju. President Lee Jae Myung suggested Mr. Trump try to meet with the North Korean leader Kim during his trip to the region.

Mr. Xi earlier this month stood side by side with Mr. Kim at a military parade in Beijing and held a separate bilateral meeting with the North Korean leader, their first in six years.