Relations between South Korea and China appear to be warming as the two Asian neighbors commemorate the 32nd anniversary of their diplomatic relations on Saturday. Diplomatic observers said, Friday, that a series of recent bilateral exchanges signal Beijing's willingness to mend fences.

The relationship between the two nations have deteriorated under President Yoon Suk Yeol who took office in May 2022. His administration's foreign policy, which emphasizes ties with like-minded nations such as the United States and Japan to counter North Korean threats, has been perceived by Beijing as South Korea aligning with U.S.-led efforts to encircle China.

However, recent weeks have seen notable exchanges in trade, people-to-people interactions, and military sectors between Seoul and Beijing.

"We are witnessing a markedly different atmosphere compared to last year when China showed virtually no willingness to improve relations," said Lee Sang-man, head of the China Research Center at Kyungnam University.

Earlier this week, South Korea's Trade Minister Jeong In-kyo traveled to Jinan, China, for the seventh South Korea-Shandong Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Meeting. This was the first in-person meeting in five years. Shandong Province is a key hub for the supply chain cooperation between the two nations, especially in the automotive sector.

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