Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Beijing on January 6, pledging to boost trade and safeguard regional stability. The summit occurred amid North Korea's recent ballistic missile tests and escalating tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan. Both leaders emphasized historical cooperation and the need to uphold peace in Northeast Asia.
On January 6, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing for talks aimed at bolstering bilateral ties. This marked Lee's first visit to China since taking office in June, part of a four-day trip overshadowed by North Korea's launch of several ballistic missiles into the sea just hours before his arrival, including what Pyongyang claimed were hypersonic missiles—though foreign experts doubt their functionality.
Xi urged Lee to make the 'correct strategic choices,' noting that 'the world is undergoing greater transformation and turbulence.' He added, 'Both countries, with broad common interests, should stand firmly on the right side of history.' Referencing history, Xi said, 'Over 80 years ago, China and the Republic of Korea made great sacrifices in resisting Japanese militarism and achieved victory. Today, it is all the more important for the two sides to join hands to defend the victorious outcomes of World War II, and safeguard peace and stability of Northeast Asia.'
Lee responded by calling for 'a new chapter in the development of Korea-China relations' during 'changing times,' emphasizing that 'the two countries should make joint contributions to promote peace, which is the foundation for prosperity and growth.' In a pre-trip CCTV interview, he stated that South Korea's military cooperation with the U.S. 'shouldn’t mean that South Korea-China relations should move toward confrontation,' aiming to 'minimize or eliminate past misunderstandings or contradictions and elevate and develop South Korea-China relations to a new stage.'
The leaders agreed to explore creative ways to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with China committing to a 'constructive role' in peace efforts, as confirmed by South Korea's national security adviser Wi Sung-lac. As North Korea's major ally, China has previously blocked U.N. sanctions alongside Russia.
Bilateral trade, valued at about $273 billion in 2024, was highlighted, with 15 cooperation agreements signed in technology, trade, transportation, and environmental protection. Earlier, Lee attended a business forum with firms like Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and Alibaba, overseeing deals in consumer goods, agriculture, biotechnology, and entertainment.
The summit also reflected broader frictions, including China's large-scale military drills around Taiwan last week in response to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments suggesting possible intervention in a Chinese attack on the island. Lee's visit underscores his liberal government's efforts to improve ties with Beijing while maintaining alliances with Washington and Tokyo.
