Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung was set to embark on a four-day state visit to China for summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions are expected to center on North Korea, economic ties, and cultural exchanges. This visit marks a significant milestone as it's Lee's first visit to China since assuming office in June last year, and the first by a South Korean president since 2019.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee will engage in talks with Xi on Monday, marking their second meeting within two months following their encounter at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju. This visit underscores South Korea's efforts to maintain stable relations with China, a crucial partner in trade, tourism, and peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula, while balancing its alliance with the United States under Lee's "pragmatic" diplomatic approach.
During the summit, Lee aims to seek China's backing in enhancing strained ties with Pyongyang and advancing denuclearization efforts on the Korean Peninsula, a top priority in his foreign policy agenda. Accompanied by a substantial business delegation, Lee will also participate in a Korea-China economic forum in Beijing to discuss enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence, green energy, supply chains, and tourism. The two countries are anticipated to sign over ten memorandums of understanding for cooperation in these areas.
Cultural exchanges represent a significant aspect of the discussions, as Seoul aims to expand access for Korean content in China, which has faced unofficial restrictions since the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in South Korea in 2017. Although Beijing does not officially recognize any ban on Korean content, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac noted that Seoul will explore avenues to bolster cultural ties between the nations.
Sensitive issues, including China's construction of steel structures in the overlapping sea zone in the Yellow Sea, are likely to be discussed. South Korea views these constructions as potential groundwork for territorial claims. Wi mentioned that working-level talks have already been held on this issue following its discussion during Lee's November summit with Xi, and efforts will continue to address it.
With rising tensions over Taiwan due to China's recent military drills near the island, Lee is anticipated to face pressure to clearly articulate Seoul's stance on the matter, which Beijing considers a core national interest. In a recent interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Lee reiterated South Korea's unwavering respect for the "One China" policy.
On Tuesday, Lee is slated to have a luncheon meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who is responsible for economic policy, and will meet with Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, before proceeding to Shanghai later in the day. In Shanghai, Lee plans to visit the historic site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea to commemorate its centennial anniversary and the 150th anniversary of independence hero Kim Gu's birth. Lee is also scheduled to attend a startup event with Korean and Chinese entrepreneurs before concluding his visit on Wednesday.