Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit South Korea for a two-day trip in August, where discussions are likely to focus on bilateral relations, North Korea's nuclear programme and broader security developments on the Korean Peninsula, according to diplomatic sources.
Officials from Seoul and Beijing are reportedly coordinating Wang's visit for August 19-20, although neither government has formally announced the schedule.
Wang, who also serves as Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China, is expected to hold talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. The discussions are expected to cover bilateral cooperation, China-North Korea relations and the evolving security situation on the Korean Peninsula.
According to diplomatic sources, Wang may also meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Unification Minister Chung Dong-young during the visit.
The trip would mark the first visit to South Korea by a senior Chinese foreign and security policy official since President Lee's state visit to China in January, where he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The visit comes amid growing concerns in Seoul over Beijing's increasingly visible engagement with North Korea. Wang travelled to Pyongyang in April for high-level talks, followed by President Xi Jinping's state visit to North Korea in June, prompting speculation that China is seeking to strengthen its influence over its long-time ally.
Those developments have also fuelled concerns in South Korea that Beijing may be becoming less willing to pressure Pyongyang over its advancing nuclear weapons programme.
According to the sources, Seoul has conveyed to Beijing that perceptions of China tolerating North Korea's nuclear development are unhelpful for regional stability.
During the expected talks, South Korea is likely to urge China to play a more constructive role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula while continuing efforts towards the denuclearisation of North Korea through dialogue and diplomacy.
The discussions are also expected to touch on regional issues, including Taiwan. South Korean and Chinese officials previously exchanged views on Taiwan during director-general-level consultations held in June.
Wang's visit comes as both countries seek to maintain diplomatic engagement despite strategic differences and heightened geopolitical competition in Northeast Asia. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for Seoul and Beijing to manage sensitive issues while exploring areas of cooperation.
(with inputs from agencies)