Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met separately Wednesday with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Seoul, as regional powers step up diplomacy ahead of the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to Anadolu Agency, during talks with Bessent, President Lee emphasized the importance of enhancing economic cooperation between South Korea and the United States amidst growing global uncertainty. He highlighted the need for the two countries to deepen their collaboration in areas such as critical minerals, supply chains, and foreign exchange markets.

In another meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, President Lee advocated for expanded cooperation between South Korea and China in sectors including economy, trade, industry, and cultural exchanges. He Lifeng responded positively, noting that bilateral trade between South Korea and China had continued to grow this year and reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Seoul.

Bessent and He also conducted separate US-China economic and trade discussions in Seoul in anticipation of the forthcoming Xi-Trump summit. Bessent is expected to travel to Beijing to accompany President Trump during his visit to China, which is scheduled to commence on Wednesday evening.