(LEAD) Assembly Speaker Woo reassures China on S. Korea's political stability, invites Xi to APEC Summit

BEIJING/SEOUL, Feb. 5 (Yonhap) -- National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik on Wednesday assured China that South Korea is swiftly recovering from political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief martial law declaration late last year.

"I understand concerns over South Korea's political instability," Woo said during a meeting with Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, in Beijing.

"The country is not unstable at all as the National Assembly made history by immediately preventing martial law from taking effect, and we are addressing the issue in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws," he said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese officials for their trust and support.

During the meeting with Zhao, he asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping to attend the 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju, a historical city in North Gyeongsang Province.

In response, Zhao stressed the importance of maintaining "friendly" ties, highlighting the two nations' shared cultural similarities and close geopolitical relationship.

Arriving in Beijing earlier in the day for a five-day visit, Woo is set to attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Winter Games in Harbin on Friday, where he is expected to meet International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, along with other dignitaries from Asian countries.

He also plans to visit historical sites related to the Korean independence movement in China.

Talks have been under way to coordinate Woo's potential meeting with Chinese leader Xi, but the schedule has not yet been confirmed, a senior National Assembly official said.

ejkim@yna.co.kr
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