The diplomatic row surrounding China's recent execution...

The diplomatic row surrounding China's recent execution of a South Korean drug trafficker appears to be winding down as China reportedly apologized to South Korea for violating the Vienna Convention on consular affairs, officials said.
China's apology came during talks between South Korean Foreign Minister Han Seung-soo and his Chinese counterpart Tang Jiaxuan in Brunei. Both are attending the two-day ASEAN plus Three (South Korea, China and Japan) summit.
Tang Jiaxuan reportedly said it was a mistake for Chinese authorities to notify Seoul one month after the Sept. 25 execution of the South Korean convict, identified by his family name Shin. The Convention dictates the home governments of sentenced foreigners must be notified before an execution occurs.
The Chinese foreign minister also apologized for China having taken seven months to inform Seoul that Shin's accomplice, identified as Chung, died in prison November 2000.