Beijing: President Lee Jae Myung stated on Sunday that China is a "very important partner" for peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula, as he prepared for summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping to explore improved relations with North Korea. Lee's remarks came during a meeting with Korean residents following his arrival in Beijing for a four-day state visit. Prior to his arrival, North Korea launched unidentified ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, marking its first weapons test this year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee emphasized China's critical role in peace initiatives on the peninsula, highlighting Beijing's Diaoyutai State Guesthouse as a previous host of the six-party talks aimed at addressing North Korea's nuclear issues. These multilateral talks, involving both Koreas, the United States, China, Japan, and Russia, took place between 2003 and 2007.
Lee expressed optimism that his visit would act as a new beginning to bridge gaps in Korea-China relations, aiming to restore and elevate them to a new level. He underscored the importance of expanding economic cooperation with China, particularly in areas like fintech and electric vehicles, where China has made significant advancements.
Addressing environmental concerns, Lee noted the substantial progress made in reducing fine dust pollution from China, which was once a significant issue for South Koreans each spring. He also pointed out opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, bio, and silver industries, despite competition in global markets.
Lee's visit follows closely on the heels of Xi's first trip to South Korea in 11 years. He described the reciprocal visits within such a short timeframe as "unprecedented," reflecting a mutual commitment to swiftly normalizing relations. He aspires for his trip to serve as a pivotal milestone in shaping the next three decades of bilateral ties.
Lee also highlighted the complete restoration of relations with China as a key foreign policy achievement since taking office in June last year, after a leadership vacuum resulting from former President Yoon Suk Yeol's unsuccessful martial law attempt in December 2024.
Addressing Korean residents in China, Lee acknowledged the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and pledged improved government communication and support. He vowed to ease difficulties related to overseas voting, noting the limited number of polling stations in China and promising efforts to enhance the overseas voting system to ensure unhindered voting rights.