ISTANBUL

China said Monday that it seeks stability in its ties with South Korea, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during his first phone call with South Korea’s new Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, urging both sides to uphold “good neighborliness.”

Wang emphasized that China and South Korea should be “genuine strategic cooperative partners” working together to elevate bilateral ties. He stressed the importance of policy stability, noting China’s consistent and stable approach to South Korea.

He said that as proponents of multilateralism and free trade, the two nations should oppose "decoupling" and disruptions to global supply chains, ensuring stability.

Cho expressed South Korea’s commitment to strengthening ties with China and advancing high-level exchanges to deepen their strategic cooperation.

He emphasized the importance of economic and trade collaboration and actively pushing forward free trade talks, noting that South Korea also seeks closer coordination with China to maintain regional peace and stability.

The top diplomats also agreed to collaborate to make the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit a "new turning point" in bilateral relations, according to Yonhap News Agency.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry confirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership in a "steady and mature" manner.

The diplomats also agreed to work together to ensure the upcoming APEC summit in South Korea from Oct. 31-Nov. 1 produces tangible results for both nations.