On June 10, 2023, Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong met with Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to China Chung Jae-ho to make démarches and express serious concern and dissatisfaction over the ROK's recent inappropriate response to the meeting and exchanges between Chinese Ambassador to the ROK and Lee Jae-myung, leader of the ROK main opposition Democratic Party.

Nong Rong elaborated on China’s views and position on the current China-ROK relations, and pointed out that it is part of Ambassador Xing Haiming's responsibility to have extensive contacts and exchanges with people from all walks of life in the ROK, and the purpose is to enhance understanding, promote cooperation, and maintain and advance China-ROK relations. He expressed the hope that the ROK will have an in-depth reflection on where the problems lie in China-ROK relations and treat them seriously, earnestly uphold the spirit of the China-ROK Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, and work with China to promote the sound and stable development of bilateral relations.