High-Level China–South Korea Talks in Beijing, Relations Move Toward Full Normalization
Beijing — Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held formal talks in Beijing on Monday. During the meeting, both sides expressed their commitment to advancing China–South Korea relations toward a healthy path of friendly cooperation, mutual benefit, and strategic partnership.
President Xi noted that he and President Lee had previously met and exchanged visits on two occasions, reflecting the high priority both countries place on bilateral relations. As neighboring and friendly nations, Xi emphasized the need for China and South Korea to enhance exchanges and maintain regular dialogue. He stated that China has always accorded high importance to its relationship with South Korea in its regional diplomacy and has consistently upheld policy continuity and stability.
Xi stressed that both countries should work together to safeguard the achievements of victory in World War II and to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Recalling that the peoples of both nations made great sacrifices to defeat Japanese militarism 80 years ago, he underscored the importance of standing on the right side of history and making strategically sound decisions.
President Lee extended New Year greetings to the Chinese people, describing China and South Korea as close neighbors with deep historical ties. Referring to their shared history of joint resistance against Japanese military aggression, he expressed gratitude to China for preserving historical sites related to the Korean independence movement located in China. Lee reaffirmed that South Korea attaches great importance to its relationship with China and remains committed to strengthening strategic cooperation by seeking common ground despite differences. He also made clear South Korea’s continued adherence to the “One China” policy.
Following the talks, Presidents Xi and Lee witnessed the signing of 15 cooperation documents covering areas such as science and technology innovation, environmental protection, transportation, economy, and trade. President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan also hosted a welcome banquet in honor of President Lee and his wife at the Great Hall of the People.
On the same day, the China–South Korea Trade Forum was held in the presence of Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and President Lee, bringing together nearly 400 representatives from government and business sectors of both countries. In his address, President Lee remarked that “China and South Korea are ships sailing in the same direction on the same sea,” noting that their interconnected industrial and supply chains have contributed to the development of both countries and the global economy.
This visit marks the first state visit to China by a South Korean leader in nine years and the second meeting between the two leaders in nearly two months. Analysts view the visit as a sign that China–South Korea relations are moving toward full normalization following a period of strain during the previous administration. Choosing China as the first destination for a state visit in 2026 is also seen as signaling South Korea’s efforts to enhance diplomatic flexibility amid a changing international landscape.
During the visit, President Lee shared a selfie on social media with President Xi and his wife, which drew widespread public attention. Videos related to his visit have also circulated widely on China’s social media platform Weibo.
President Lee is scheduled to travel to Shanghai on Tuesday, where he will attend events marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Korean independence leader Kim Gu and the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Shanghai Provisional Government. Experts believe that revisiting shared historical memories is expected to further strengthen emotional ties, strategic trust, and the foundations of regional peace between the two countries.
