South Korea’s consul general in Shanghai says South Korea and China are witnessing renewed progress in their relationship, suggesting that a visit to Seoul next year by Chinese President Xi Jinping may help resolve difficulties for South Korean businesses operating in China. 

Kim Young-jun made the remarks to South Korean reporters at the consulate general in Shanghai on Thursday.

Kim said if Xi visits South Korea to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) summit, set for late 2025 in the southeastern city of Gyeongju, it will help the two nations resolve many pending issues. 

Xi has attended most APEC summits, and President Yoon Suk Yeol invited Xi to visit South Korea at the recent APEC summit in Peru last month. 

Xi’s most recent visit to South Korea was in July 2014.