Seoul: National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik embarked on a five-day trip to China on Wednesday to meet with Chinese officials and attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, his office said. Woo is scheduled to meet Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and other Chinese officials to discuss ways to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during the talks, Woo also plans to address Seoul’s efforts to restore democracy following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived martial law declaration on December 3. In addition, discussions will cover the preservation and management of historical sites related to the Korean independence movement in China.

On Friday, Woo will attend the opening ceremony of the Winter Asian Games, where he is expected to meet International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach along with other dignitaries from Asian countries. Talks have been underway to coordinate Woo’s potential meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but the schedule has not yet been confirmed, a senior National Assembly official said.