Lee Hae-chan, special envoy of South Korean President Moon Jae-in, is on a three-day visit to China. Lee, a member of the South Korean National Assembly and a former prime minister, is an influential figure in Moon’s ruling Democratic Party. 

At the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s regular press conference on Thursday, spokesperson Hua Chunying said both China and South Korea attach great importance to Lee’s visit. “Special Envoy Lee Hae-chan's visit to China testifies to the importance attached by the new South Korean government to its relationship with China. We hope that the Special Envoy's visit will help the two sides enhance political mutual trust, properly settle disputes, and play a positive role in improving and developing China-South Korea relationship.” 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Lee Hae-Chan on Thursday afternoon, and the two sides discussed a broad range of issues, including THAAD and the DPRK. Hua said China’s stance on these issues has always been consistent and clear.

During a telephone conversation last Thursday with Moon, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s position in achieving the goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through measures such as restarting the six-party talks as early as possible, safeguarding the Peninsula's peace and stability, and solving problems through dialogue and negotiation.