Story perspectives

Wang Yi Urges U.S. Shift Toward North Korea

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the United States to change its hostile policy toward North Korea in Seoul.
Wang said China will play a constructive role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
He declined to mediate a U.S.–North Korea summit, calling it the two sides’ decision.
Wang told South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun that Seoul should maintain an autonomous foreign policy.

History

Historical Context

On 21 October 1994 the United States and North Korea signed the Agreed Framework, freezing Pyongyang’s graphite-moderated reactors and delivering 500,000 tons of heavy fuel oil annually while promising two light-water reactors. Negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher and deputy premier Kang Sok-ju, the pact received China’s diplomatic backing. Chinese FM Wang Yi’s 2024 appeal for U.S. restraint mirrors that 1994 incentive-based approach.

1 of 2

Story summary

Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the United States to change its hostile policy toward North Korea in Seoul.
Wang said China will play a constructive role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
He declined to mediate a U.S.–North Korea summit, calling it the two sides’ decision.
Wang told South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun that Seoul should maintain an autonomous foreign policy.

1 / 2