Hwaseong, South Korea — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged South Korea to conduct a swift investigation into a recent fire at a lithium battery factory that resulted in the deaths of 23 workers, including 17 Chinese nationals.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the fire devastated the facility located in Hwaseong, 45 kilometers south of Seoul. The incident, which took place last week, has prompted a call for thorough investigation and responsible handling by South Korea. "South Korea should swiftly determine the cause of the accident and handle it responsibly," Wang stated during a meeting with former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan on Saturday on the sidelines of a conference in Beijing.
Wang also discussed the bilateral relations between China and South Korea, expressing his desire to further improve ties between the two nations. He described South Korea as a "close neighbor" and a "natural partner," emphasizing the potential for healthy, stable, and sustainable development in their bilateral relations.