China is putting pressure on South Korea. They are telling the country not to take sides in the ongoing rivalry between China and the United States.

Wang Yi, a high-ranking Chinese official, visited Seoul recently. He warned that South Korea should stay neutral. He blamed the United States for the current tension in the region, saying that American policies are making things harder for everyone.

Meanwhile, South Korea is in a tough spot. They have to manage their relationship with both superpowers. Right now, South Korea is actually asking for China’s help. They want China to play a part in restarting talks with North Korea, especially as President-elect Donald Trump has expressed interest in speaking with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Despite the pressure and the disagreement over the U.S., there is some movement toward diplomacy. The South Korean government says they are looking into holding a summit with China this November. This meeting would be a chance for the two countries to talk through their differences and try to keep things stable.

For now, South Korea is trying to walk a fine line. They need to keep the U.S. as an ally for security, but they also rely heavily on China for trade and as a neighbor who can influence North Korea.

Source: Reuters