Beijing: President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea is set to engage in pivotal discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week, focusing on enhancing economic collaboration and fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula. This announcement was made by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac on Friday, highlighting the significance of the forthcoming summit.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee's itinerary includes his arrival in Beijing on Sunday, a summit with President Xi on Monday, followed by a visit to Shanghai on Tuesday. During his two-day stay in Shanghai, Lee is expected to visit a historic site that once served as the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea during Japan's colonial rule.

The summit discussions will likely cover various sectors such as supply-chain investments, the digital economy, environmental and climate change collaboration, people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and strategies to counter transnational crimes. North Korea is anticipated to be a focal agenda item, with Seoul aiming to gain momentum in resuming dialogue with Pyongyang as part of Lee's state visit to China.

Wi Sung-lac emphasized that President Lee intends to encourage China to adopt a "constructive" role in facilitating a breakthrough on Korean Peninsula issues. When questioned about South Korea's position on Taiwan, Wi reaffirmed respect for the one-China policy and adherence to related principles.

The context of Lee's visit is marked by heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait, following China's recent large-scale military exercises near the self-governed island.