Korea-China Summit Banquet: Lee "Together on the Path to Peace," Xi Jinping "Strategic Cooperative Partners" [Gyeongju APEC]

Lee Jae-yong and Other Major Conglomerate Leaders, Lee Changho and Park Jinyoung Attend
Lee Jae-myung: "Swift Reinforcement of Systems for Service Investment"
Xi Jinping: "Hope for Youth Exchange and Friendship Initiatives"

President Lee Jae-myung stated at the state banquet for Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 1st, "President Xi and I have agreed to move forward together unwaveringly on the path to peace." President Xi responded, "China and South Korea are friendly neighboring countries and strategic cooperative partners."

President Lee Jae-myung is returning to his seat after speaking at the state banquet held for Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 1st at Sono Calm in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

At the banquet held at the Sono Calm Hotel in Gyeongju that evening, President Lee said, "Tonight's banquet holds a very special meaning for me. The President, a distinguished guest from our close neighbor, is visiting Korea for the first time in 11 years, and we are able to spend this precious time together here in Gyeongju, which is also my ancestral home."

The banquet was attended by prominent figures from the political, economic, and cultural sectors of both countries. From the business community, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo were present. In the cultural sector, Park Jin-young, Chairman of the Korean Popular Culture Exchange Committee, and Lee Changho, 9-dan professional Go player, drew particular attention.

President Lee said, "President Xi's emphasis on people-centered development and my own vision of a nation where the people are the true owners both share the commonality of placing the people at the heart of governance. We also share a deep consensus in seeking practical solutions for people's livelihoods and national growth."

He continued, "Today, President Xi and I had a sincere and lengthy conversation based on our shared commitment to serving the people. We agreed that our two countries, which have achieved economic development by working together, must now open a new path of mutually beneficial cooperation by sharing our respective strengths."

He added, "We will further increase the necessary communication between our countries and swiftly reinforce the required systems so that we can expand the scope of cooperation, especially in the field of service investment. The principles of connection, innovation, and prosperity, which are the theme of this year's APEC Summit, will remain steadfast principles in the South Korea-China relationship as well."

He also said, "Our two countries have pledged to jointly and strongly respond to transnational crimes that threaten the lives of our citizens across borders, such as scam crimes. As the history of APEC has proven, cooperation and solidarity between our two countries will make the daily lives of our peoples richer and safer."

President Lee quoted a passage from a Chinese classic, saying, "A phoenix can fly not because of the lightness of a single feather, nor can a thousand-mile horse run because of the strength of a single leg," and emphasized, "South Korea and China will continue to prove, through many years together, that we are partners who can generate synergistic prosperity."

Chinese President Xi Jinping is giving a toast at the state banquet hosted by President Lee Jae-myung, held on the 1st at Sono Calm in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

President Xi responded, "China has always consistently valued its relationship with South Korea, placing Korea-China friendship at an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy. This afternoon, I had a productive meeting with President Lee."

President Xi explained, "As the chair of APEC in 2026, China is willing to support and work closely with South Korea to jointly promote the development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and to advance global governance in a fairer and more reasonable direction."

President Xi also cited a phrase left by Choe Chiwon, a literary figure from Gyeongju who studied in the Tang Dynasty. He said, "On his return to Korea, Choe Chiwon wrote, 'With sails hoisted, the boat rides the sea and the fair wind carries it for ten thousand miles.' Today, the friendship between China and South Korea continues to radiate vitality and energy."

President Xi mentioned that he recently received a letter from students of the Department of International Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. "Reading it, I could feel that the students are full of anticipation for the development of China-Korea relations. The youth are the future of China-Korea relations," he said.

He continued, "I hope that the two countries will promote many youth exchange activities so that the friendship between China and South Korea will be passed down for generations. Over the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, our two countries have achieved comprehensive and rapid development, overcoming ideological differences and bringing welfare to our peoples."

He added, "In the face of rapidly changing international and regional circumstances, China and South Korea should continue the tradition of friendship and draw upon Eastern wisdom. Furthermore, by respecting and trusting each other, cooperating and achieving mutual benefit, and maintaining a good neighborly relationship that supports each other's success, let us work together to open a bright future for China-Korea relations."

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun is attending the state banquet hosted by President Lee Jae-myung for Chinese President Xi Jinping at Sono Calm in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk on the 1st. Photo by Yonhap News

The state banquet for the Korea-China summit featured Korean-style sweet and spicy fried chicken, a dish that has captivated China, and abalone with mala sauce, representing a Chinese flavor that has won over Korea.

The Office of the President stated, "This Korea-China state banquet was designed to reflect the significance of the long-standing cultural exchange between Korea and China through food, and to express the hope that friendship and harmony between the two countries will continue."

To express a warm welcome to the distinguished guest, a nourishing young chicken porridge and President Xi's favorite Chinese liquor, Mengzhilan, were served. The main course included grilled short rib patties made with Gyeongju's Korean beef, lily bulb soup, and three side dishes (seasoned chwinamul, grilled deodeok, and napa cabbage kimchi). Traditionally, short rib patties have symbolized the utmost hospitality toward guests.

To commemorate the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and China this year, three-colored maejakgwa (Korean traditional cookies) and three-colored fruits were prepared. In addition, the Chinese dessert zhimaqiu was served with Boseong green tea, with the hope that the memory of the banquet would linger for a long time.