RismadarVoice Reporters
January 6, 2026
Chinese President, Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Beijing for their second summit in two months, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties amid regional tensions and complex geopolitical dynamics.
Lee’s visit, the first by a South Korean leader to China since 2019, underscores Seoul’s strategic balancing act: maintaining strong economic relations with China while managing security alliances with the United States and Japan. China remains South Korea’s largest trade partner and a key influence over North Korea, whose recent hypersonic missile tests highlight regional security risks.
During the summit, both leaders expressed commitment to frequent dialogue and mutual cooperation. They agreed to hold annual meetings and expand communication between defence authorities to foster trust and regional stability.
Lee emphasized working with China may bring North Korea back to diplomatic talks, while Xi highlighted shared responsibilities in promoting peace and development in the region.
The summit avoided direct discussion on Taiwan, though leaders reiterated historical and cultural ties and cooperation on regional issues, including the Yellow Sea maritime zone. Both sides also signed 14 memorandums of understanding in trade, technology, and environmental areas, involving South Korean conglomerates such as Samsung, LG, and SK Group.
Cultural exchanges and cooperation in tourism were highlighted, despite unofficial bans on Korean entertainment content in China and rising public scepticism on both sides. A symbolic moment came when Lee shared a selfie with Xi using a Xiaomi smartphone, signaling personal diplomacy amid broader strategic negotiations.
Analysts note that while progress on economic and diplomatic fronts is visible, challenges remain in security alignment and public perception, leaving the China-South Korea relationship in a delicate but strategically important position.
