Beijing: President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Beijing on Sunday for high-level summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on key issues such as North Korea, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges. The four-day state visit marks Lee's first trip to China since taking office in June last year and represents the first visit by a South Korean president to China since 2019.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee is scheduled to engage with Korean residents in China later today to gather their opinions and pledge governmental support. His talks with President Xi on Monday will be their second meeting in two months, following their encounter at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju in early November. This visit is pivotal as South Korea aims to manage its relations with China, a significant partner in trade and peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula, while also maintaining strong ties with the United States.
During the summit, Lee is anticipated to seek China's backing in improving strained relations with Pyongyang and advancing the denuclearization process on the Korean Peninsula, a top priority for his administration. Accompanied by a substantial business delegation, President Lee will attend a Korea-China economic forum on Monday in Beijing. Discussions will focus on expanding cooperation in areas including artificial intelligence, green energy, supply chains, and tourism, with over 10 memorandums of understanding expected to be signed.
Cultural exchanges will also be on the agenda, as South Korea aims to enhance access for Korean content in China, which has faced restrictions since 2017 following the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in South Korea. Although China does not officially acknowledge a ban on Korean content, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac emphasized Seoul's intent to strengthen cultural ties with China.
Contentious issues, such as China's construction of steel structures in the overlapping sea zone in the Yellow Sea, are likely to be discussed. These structures are seen by Seoul as potential groundwork for territorial claims. Wi mentioned that working-level talks have already been held on this matter following its discussion during Lee's November summit with Xi.
With recent tensions over Taiwan due to China's military exercises near the island, President Lee may face pressure to articulate Seoul's stance on the issue. In a recent interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Lee reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to the "One China" policy.
The itinerary for Tuesday includes a luncheon meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, focusing on economic policy, and a meeting with Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, before President Lee travels to Shanghai. In Shanghai, he plans to visit the historic site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea to commemorate its centennial and the 150th anniversary of independence leader Kim Gu's birth. Additionally, Lee will attend a startup event with Korean and Chinese entrepreneurs before his return to South Korea on Wednesday.