Beijing: President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to discuss peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula during their summit talks in Beijing next week, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac announced on Friday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee's four-day state visit to China will commence on Sunday, amidst reports suggesting a potential visit to Japan later this month for discussions with Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. When questioned about the summit's agenda, Wi confirmed that peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula will be key topics.
This visit follows less than two months after Xi's first trip to South Korea in 11 years, which occurred during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, highlighting a period of reciprocal state visits. The leaders are also expected to explore practical cooperation in areas such as supply-chain investments, digital economy, environment and climate change, tourism, and countering transnational crimes.
Wi emphasized the shared goal of peace and stability in the region, while addressing China's concerns over South Korea's development of nuclear-powered submarines. He stated that Seoul intends to clarify its stance on building capabilities to counter North Korea's emerging threats, particularly following Pyongyang's unveiling of a new nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Regarding Taiwan, Wi reassured that South Korea respects the one-China policy and will adhere to that position. This comes amid heightened tensions after large-scale military drills by Beijing near Taiwan.
Cultural exchanges are also on the agenda, as South Korea aims to expand access to its content in China, which has faced unofficial restrictions since the 2017 deployment of a U.S.-led missile defense system in South Korea. Wi noted the need to address these issues through expanded cultural exchanges.
Sensitive topics, such as China's construction of steel structures in the Yellow Sea, will likely be discussed. This issue was previously raised during Lee's November summit with Xi, and working-level talks have already taken place.
Economic ties are another focal point of Lee's visit, given China's status as South Korea's largest trading partner. Accompanied by a substantial business delegation, Lee plans to engage with business leaders from both countries at an economic forum in Beijing on Monday.
Further engagements include a luncheon with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who oversees economic policy, and a meeting with Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. In Shanghai, Lee will visit the historic site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea to commemorate its centennial and honor independence hero Kim Gu. This visit aims to remember the joint efforts of South Korean and Chinese independence activists against Japanese colonial rule.