PM Kim cancels trip to China amid Middle East conflict | Yonhap News Agency

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has canceled his planned trip to China this week to focus on mitigating the domestic economic impact of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, his office announced.

Kim had been set to deliver a keynote address at the Boao Forum for Asia, which opens Tuesday in Boao, Hainan Province. The annual gathering brings together leaders from government, business, and academia across Asia and beyond to discuss key regional and global challenges.

The visit was also seen as an opportunity for meetings with senior Chinese officials, continuing efforts to deepen bilateral ties following President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to Beijing in January.

According to the prime minister’s office, mounting external risks stemming from the Middle East’s military clashes are increasingly affecting South Korea’s economy and household livelihoods. With these ripple effects growing, the government views it as urgent to establish a coordinated, high-level response mechanism.

The decision to stay in Seoul is intended to allow Prime Minister Kim to take direct charge of emergency economic measures and facilitate swift decision-making during this period of uncertainty. The office indicated that additional government decisions and announcements related to the situation will follow soon.

Officials said China has been informed of the cancellation through diplomatic channels, with explanations provided regarding the circumstances.

Kim is expected to lead a government task force tasked with managing policy responses to potential economic disruptions linked to the Middle East situation, including stabilizing markets, safeguarding supply chains, and protecting vulnerable sectors.