In a summit in Beijing, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to explore measures for resuming dialogue with North Korea. The leaders emphasized peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula while discussing expanded economic and cultural cooperation. Despite North Korea's recent missile launches, they reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration.
The summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on January 5, 2026, marked a key milestone in restoring bilateral ties. The 90-minute talks focused on Korean Peninsula peace amid North Korea's ballistic missile launches earlier that Sunday. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac stated, "The two leaders underscored the importance of resuming dialogue with North Korea," adding that they would seek "creative measures to establish peace."
Both sides reaffirmed that peace and stability on the peninsula serve their shared interests, with Lee receiving assurances of China's "constructive" role. They agreed to annual summits and expanded defense exchanges to build mutual trust and regional stability. Since taking office in June 2025, Lee has offered peace overtures to Pyongyang, which remain unanswered.
In economic matters, the countries signed 14 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on trade, technology, environment, and intellectual property rights. At a business forum, South Korean and Chinese firms inked nine MOUs in consumer goods, supply chains, and cultural content. Lee called for broadened cooperation in artificial intelligence, beauty, and cultural products.
Sensitive issues included China's steel structures in the Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ) in the Yellow Sea, installed since 2018, raising territorial concerns. The leaders agreed to transform the Yellow Sea into a "peaceful and co-prosperous sea" and pledged vice-ministerial talks this year. Lee also urged stronger measures against illegal Chinese fishing.
Cultural exchanges were another focus, addressing unofficial restrictions on Korean content since the 2017 U.S. missile defense deployment. They committed to gradual expansion starting with Go and soccer, and working-level talks on dramas and films. Lee reaffirmed South Korea's respect for the "One China" policy.
After the summit, at a state dinner, Lee took selfies with Xi using a Xiaomi smartphone gifted by Xi at last year's APEC summit, posting them on X with the caption, "Thanks to you, I got once-in-a-lifetime photos." He emphasized advancing ties through personal trust. On Tuesday, Lee met Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, and Premier Li Qiang to discuss legislative and executive cooperation. This visit, the first by a South Korean president in seven years, aims to usher in a "new era" for relations.
