South Korea's President Seeks New Chapter in Relations with China

Thu Jan 08 2026 14:33:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

During his historic visit to Beijing, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung emphasizes the need for a renewed partnership with China, focusing on cultural exchanges and regional security amidst a complex diplomatic landscape.

In a significant diplomatic trip to Beijing, South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung met with Xi Jinping, calling for a 'new phase' in bilateral relations. Addressing issues such as security on the Korean Peninsula and lifting unofficial bans on K-pop and K-dramas, Lee seeks stronger ties with China amid ongoing tensions with Japan. This visit, the first by a South Korean leader since 2019, comes as relations between the two nations are being redefined, marked by agreements in various sectors.

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung has called for a new phase in ties with China as he met its leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday.

Regional security and lifting Beijing's unofficial ban on Korean pop culture are high on Lee's agenda during his four-day trip to China, which marks the first visit by a South Korean leader since 2019.

Lee plans to meet with China's Premier Li Qiang and the chairman of parliament, Zhao Leji, as he navigates the complexities of U.S.-South Korea relations, which also involve China.

This visit is a crucial opportunity for the full-scale restoration of South Korea-China relations, Lee stated, emphasizing a desire to usher in new developments between the two countries.

The discussions included a range of cooperation agreements in technology, trade, and environmental issues, reflecting both nations' interest in enhancing ties.

Lee and Xi's selfie captured the light-hearted moment in a more serious diplomatic context, as both leaders recognized the need to address the evolving international landscape.

China remains a crucial partner for South Korea, balancing its relationships with the U.S. and Japan while dealing with the challenges posed by North Korea's ongoing nuclear threats.

Lee aims to engage North Korea diplomatically while stressing the need for cooperative peace strategies on the Korean Peninsula, seeking China's support in this endeavor.

As cultural exchanges took center stage, the lifting of restrictions on Korean entertainment in China was repeatedly emphasized by Lee, with discussions aimed at enhancing collaboration in the cultural sector.

This visit to China is expected to be a stepping stone in restoring and fortifying South Korea's relationship with its powerful neighbor amid a tense geopolitical environment in Northeast Asia.