Beijing: President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as tensions rise following North Korea's launch of ballistic missiles toward the East Sea. The four-day visit marks Lee's first state trip to China since assuming office last year and the first by a South Korean president since 2019.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the summit will focus on North Korea, economic ties, and cultural exchanges. The visit is part of South Korea's strategic effort to manage its important relationship with China while maintaining a strong alliance with the United States. Lee is expected to seek China's support in improving relations with Pyongyang and advancing the denuclearization agenda on the Korean Peninsula.
Lee is accompanied by a significant business delegation and will participate in a Korea-China economic forum in Beijing, aimed at bolstering cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and tourism. The two nations are anticipated to sign over ten memorandums of understanding to enhance collaboration in these fields.
Cultural exchanges are also a priority, with efforts to expand access for Korean content in China. Despite unofficial restrictions on Korean media since 2017, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac has stated that Seoul will pursue stronger cultural ties with Beijing.
Contentious topics, such as China's construction activities in the Yellow Sea's overlapping sea zones, are expected to be discussed. The issue was previously addressed during Lee's November meeting with Xi, and working-level talks are ongoing.
With regional tensions heightened by China's recent military activities near Taiwan, Lee may face pressure to clarify South Korea's position on Taiwan, adhering to the "One China" policy.
On Tuesday, Lee will meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, before traveling to Shanghai. In Shanghai, Lee will visit historical sites significant to Korea's independence movement and attend a startup event before concluding his visit on Wednesday.