• South Korea aims to normalize relations with China, which have been strained in recent years.
• The delegation from South Korea met with Chinese officials to discuss economic cooperation.
• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of moving bilateral relations "on the right track."
• Park Byeong-seug, leading the South Korean delegation, invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to an upcoming summit.
• Both nations seek to address sensitivities and improve public sentiment between their peoples.

South Korea is actively pursuing to normalize tense relations with China, as highlighted by the recent visit of a South Korean delegation led by former assembly speaker Park Byeong-seug to Beijing. This diplomatic initiative comes as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung simultaneously engages with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. Park emphasized the need to "open the door to normalising South Korea-China relations" during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to Reuters, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.

The discussions are framed within a broader effort to enhance economic cooperation, a sentiment echoed by both countries' foreign ministries. Park indicated Seoul's willingness to pursue a "mature development of South Korea-China strategic cooperation," reinforcing partnerships based on national interests, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.

During the meeting, Wang Yi remarked that the relationship is at a "critical juncture" and urged for progress underlined by friendship and common interests. He called for improving public sentiment and managing sensitive issues to promote stable bilateral ties. This approach aligns with South Korea's commitment to bring the strategic partnership "back on track," reflecting a shift from past tensions under Lee's predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, according to South China Morning Post.

Both nations are looking towards substantive steps in economic collaboration, having already agreed to explore improvements in supply chains. Furthermore, the South Korean delegation delivered an invitation from President Lee to Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, a reflection of continued diplomatic engagement despite prior strains, as reported by Channel News Asia and Reuters.