Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing  (Chinese Embassy in Seoul)
Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing (Chinese Embassy in Seoul)

The new Chinese Ambassador to South Korea on Friday called for enhanced cooperation between the two countries by taking the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit as an opportunity. South Korea will host the event in 2025 and China in 2026.

"I hope both nations will support each other in successfully hosting the APEC meetings, aim to protect the international free trade system, and create favorable conditions for the mutual development of our countries and for international solidarity and cooperation," said Dai Bing in a written statement released upon his arrival in Seoul on Friday.

The APEC leaders' meeting has garnered attention with the possibility of Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting South Korea. If confirmed, it would mark Xi's first trip to Seoul in 11 years, after his last visit in July 2014.

The ambassador also described Seoul and Beijing as "inseparable partners" who are "indispensable" to one another, stressing that the bilateral relationship is at a crucial stage of "building on the past and moving toward the future."

Upon his arrival at Gimpo International Airport, west of Seoul, Dai also expressed confidence that Seoul will "overcome the difficulties and achieve stability," referring to the ongoing political turmoil surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment after his controversial declaration of martial law on Dec. 3.

"I hope to make many new and good friends here. I will dedicate myself to deepening the friendship and cooperation between our two countries," he added.

Dai assumed his new role, filling the position left vacant since his predecessor, Xing Haiming, departed in July.

Seoul is Dai's first diplomatic assignment as an ambassador. Born in 1967, he started his diplomatic career by joining China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1995. Most recently, he served as China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations.