Beijing: In his inaugural state visit to China, President Lee Jae Myung expressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping that the summit signified a crucial turning point for "the full restoration of Korea-China relations." He committed to making steadfast efforts to transform their strategic cooperative partnership into an "irreversible trend of the times."
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Xi reciprocated by highlighting the significant responsibilities China and Korea share in maintaining regional peace and promoting global development. Xi, hosting the first state visit by a South Korean president in six years, emphasized the necessity of standing on the "right side of history" and making the correct strategic decisions. This remark carries weight amidst the dynamically shifting geopolitical landscape, possibly alluding to the United States' recent military action against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which China has condemned.
North Korea's recent missile tests, seen as a demonstration against U.S. actions, also add pressure on Seoul's aspirations to rekindle inter-Korean dialogue through China. This is particularly relevant with U.S. President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to China. Previously, President Lee had urged Trump to act as a "peacemaker" while he serves as a "pacemaker" in engaging North Korea.
The summit between Lee and Xi also touched upon heightened regional tensions, including those between China and Taiwan and China and Japan. Korea must strategically navigate these tensions while maintaining its alliance with the United States and fostering forward-looking relations with Japan. President Lee's pragmatic diplomacy, anchored in trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, faces real challenges ahead.
The two leaders agreed to hold regular high-level meetings, consult on structures deployed by China in the West Sea, and expand cultural exchanges. This latter point addresses the so-called "Korean wave ban," where South Korean entertainment faced hurdles in China following the deployment of a U.S. defense system in 2016. Additionally, Lee and Xi oversaw the signing of 14 memorandums of understanding covering areas from technology to environmental protection.
Despite the progress, no joint statements were issued. President Lee's visit to China will continue with a stop in Shanghai, though Xi will not be in attendance. The summit, while largely formal, set the stage for Seoul to adjust its approach on sensitive bilateral and multilateral issues, moving towards a new stage in relations with Beijing. Although the summit may have been pro forma, resulting in agreements to meet regularly and expand cultural exchanges, it marks a significant step forward after six years of diplomatic standstill.