Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on a state visit beginning Sunday, underscoring Beijing’s desire to deepen ties with Seoul amid tensions with Japan over Taiwan. Analysts note that this visit, only the second Xi-Lee meeting in two months, signals China’s strong intent to reinforce economic collaboration, tourism, and broader bilateral relations.
Relations between China and Japan deteriorated after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Tokyo could consider military action if Beijing attacked Taiwan. Xi’s invitation to Lee, scheduled ahead of the South Korean leader’s upcoming visit to Japan, appears strategically timed to emphasize South Korea’s importance to China. Kang Jun-young, a political economics professor at Hankuk University, stated that Beijing is keen to host Lee before Seoul engages with Tokyo again.
Lee’s top security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, indicated that the summit is expected to “open a new chapter” in China-South Korea relations. The two countries are preparing over ten agreements covering economic cooperation, business partnerships, and climate initiatives, though no joint statement is planned.
The Lee administration aims to restore relations with Beijing, acknowledging China as South Korea’s largest trading partner. This marks a shift from the previous administration under Yoon Suk Yeol, whose closer alignment with Washington and Tokyo had strained ties with China. Lee has emphasized a neutral stance in the China-Japan dispute, seeking cooperation with China while maintaining a balanced diplomatic approach to protect South Korea’s economic interests.
