Overview
- China’s Foreign Ministry said Wang Yi held a Dec. 31 phone call with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun at Seoul’s request.
- Wang accused some Japanese political forces of trying to cover up wartime aggression, citing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Diet remarks on a Taiwan contingency.
- He urged cooperation with China on historical issues and Taiwan and pressed South Korea to uphold the One‑China principle.
- Cho voiced interest in strengthening China–ROK ties and said South Korea’s respect for the One‑China principle remains unchanged.
- Wang welcomed President Lee Jae‑myung’s Jan. 4–7 trip to China and said ties are regaining momentum, with Japanese media describing the outreach as checking Tokyo while courting Seoul.