South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to visit China

South Korea’s President Lee Myung-bak will meet Chinese President Hu Jintao next week during a state visit.

 

The leaders will discuss stability on the Korean peninsula and ”bilateral strategic partnership”, said a statement from Mr Lee’s office.

This is the first major meeting between the two leaders since the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

Meanwhile, US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell is in Beijing to discuss North Korea.

Mr Campbell met Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai and was due to meet other senior officials before flying to Seoul later in the day.

Lee Myung-bak will arrive in Beijing on Monday for the three-day visit, his second to China.

It is hoped that this visit will deepen ties between the two countries, as they mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations, said Mr Lee’s office.

His first state visit to China was in 2008.

China, North Korea’s main ally and key trade partner, was quick to endorse Kim Jong-un’s leadership after his father’s death on 17 December.

China is also the chair of the stalled six-party talks aimed at persuading North Korea to end its nuclear ambitions.

Observers say Seoul wants closer co-ordination with Beijing on the issue of North Korea.

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