In response, Xi expressed China's hopes for regional stability and peaceful resolution of Korean Peninsula issues.
During the talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, the leaders also proposed mutual state visits and agreed to accelerate follow-up negotiations on their free trade agreement (FTA).
"In response to North Korea's repeated provocations, the Ukraine war and Russia-North Korea military cooperation, I hope South Korea and China will cooperate in promoting regional stability and peace," Yoon said during the meeting.
He urged China to "play a constructive role" regarding North Korea's destabilizing acts, South Korea's Deputy Principal National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo told reporters.
Xi said China does not want tensions on the Korean Peninsula and hopes for political and peaceful solutions through dialogue and negotiations between the parties concerned, Kim added.
Yoon expressed hopes that the two nations would develop their strategic cooperative partnership based on mutual respect, reciprocity and common interests.
"China is an important country with which we are closely cooperating in various fields including security, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges," he said.
It was their first bilateral meeting since the Group of 20 summit in Bali in November 2022.
Xi noted that despite changes in international and regional circumstances over the past two years, China-South Korea relations have "maintained momentum for development."
He emphasized Beijing's consistent position on valuing relations with Seoul and expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties.
Xi extended an invitation to Yoon to visit China, while Yoon reciprocated by inviting Xi to visit South Korea, according to a Yoon aide.
Yoon suggested Xi's visit could coincide with the APEC meeting to be held in Gyeongju, South Korea, in fall 2025.
The leaders agreed to expedite negotiations on the service and investment sectors under their free trade agreement, which will mark its 10th anniversary next year.
"President Xi agreed to accelerate the Korea-China FTA service and investment negotiations to achieve early results, and President Yoon expressed hope to see positive progress," Kim said.
During the talks, Yoon requested China's efforts to ensure that Korean companies in China can operate "in a predictable and stable environment."
Xi expressed China's interest in chairing the 2026 APEC summit, and Yoon extended his support for the bid.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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