Chinese President Xi Jinping will host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on a state visit starting Sunday, signaling Beijing's intent to strengthen ties with Seoul amid strained relations with Japan over Taiwan. The visit marks the second meeting between the two leaders in just two months, highlighting China's keen interest in boosting economic collaboration and tourism with South Korea.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on a state visit to Beijing starting January 5, 2026, marking the second meeting between the leaders within two months. This move underscores Beijing's eagerness to bolster ties with Seoul, including economic collaboration and tourism, amid frosty relations with Japan over Taiwan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's November suggestion that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan might prompt a Tokyo military response has chilled bilateral ties to their lowest in years.
Analysts view the invitation as a strategic effort to deepen Sino-South Korean relations before Lee's anticipated visit to Japan. Kang Jun-young, a professor of political economics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, said, "China wants to emphasize South Korea’s importance slightly more than before." He added, "China appears to have strategically decided that it would be better to have (Lee) visit China before South Korea holds a summit with Japan again."
The Lee administration seeks to "restore" ties with Beijing, recognizing China as South Korea's largest trading partner. Relations had soured under predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol due to his alignment with Washington and Tokyo, plus criticism of China's Taiwan policy. In December, Lee stated he would not take sides in the China-Japan diplomatic dispute.
Yet challenges persist. China contests the U.S., South Korea's key regional ally, while nuclear-armed North Korea remains volatile—China being Pyongyang's main supporter and economic lifeline. Shin Beom-chul, a senior research fellow at the Sejong Institute and former South Korean vice defense minister, noted that Xi and Lee may address the modernization of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, seen as curbing China's influence. About 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea to deter North Korean threats.
U.S. officials plan to enhance the flexibility of these forces for broader responses, including Taiwan defense and countering China's military expansion. General Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, remarked at a December 29 forum: "Korea is not simply responding to threats on the peninsula. Korea sits at the crossroads of broader regional dynamics that shape the balance of power across Northeast Asia."
Lee's agenda includes urging China to facilitate North Korea dialogue, per experts. Pyongyang has rebuffed him, calling him a "hypocrite" and "confrontational maniac." Meanwhile, Xi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un displayed close coordination at a September military parade.
The visit will cover cooperation in critical minerals, supply chains, and green industries, according to Lee's office. South Korea sources nearly half its rare earth minerals—vital for semiconductors—from China, which also takes a third of its chip exports. Last month, South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao agreed on stable rare earth supplies.
Partnerships in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are also anticipated. Huawei plans to launch its Ascend 950 AI chips in South Korea next year as an Nvidia alternative, said CEO Balian Wang last month, amid discussions with potential customers. Additionally, easing Beijing's de facto ban on K-pop since the 2017 U.S.-led missile defense deployment in South Korea may be discussed; SM Entertainment's CEO joins Lee's business delegation.
