Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung said Thursday his visit to China this week has cemented a foundation for the full restoration of relations with Beijing. Lee made the remarks during a meeting with senior aides a day after returning from his four-day state visit to China for his second summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in two months.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee stated that the visit laid a solid foundation for the full restoration of Korea-China relations and paved the way for increased exchanges and cooperation in economic and cultural sectors. He emphasized this during the meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae.

Lee's state visit to China occurred amid China's ongoing tension with Japan over Taiwan and a recent raid by U.S. troops that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Despite these international issues, Lee focused on maintaining what he described as "pragmatic diplomacy."

Lee underscored the importance of pragmatic diplomacy by stating that in a ruthless international order, where there are no eternal enemies, friends, or rules, the fate of the Republic of Korea hinges on diplomacy centered on national interests. This reflects his approach to navigating complex international relations while prioritizing South Korea's national interests.