100th Anniversary of the Provisional Government of Korea
Shanghai Visit Scheduled for January 6-7
Multiple MOUs to Be Signed... Meeting with Korean Community Also Planned
President Lee Jaemyung will make a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping from January 4 to 7 next year, for a total of four days and three nights.
Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Blue House, announced at a briefing at the Chunchugwan Press Center on the afternoon of the 30th, "President Lee will carry out official events in Beijing from January 4 to 6, including a summit meeting and a state banquet with President Xi, and will visit Shanghai from the 6th to the 7th." This will be President Lee's first visit to China since taking office, and his second summit with President Xi, following their meeting on November 1 last month during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju.
Regarding the upcoming visit, spokesperson Kang explained, "The two leaders will meet again just over two months after the Gyeongju APEC Summit to further solidify the comprehensive restoration of the Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership. They will also discuss concrete measures to achieve tangible results that benefit the people of both countries, such as supply chains, investment, the digital economy, responses to transnational crime, and the environment."
As for the Shanghai schedule, Kang stated, "Since 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of Kim Koo's birth and the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, the visit will reflect on its historical significance. In addition, there will be events to promote partnerships between Korean and Chinese companies in the venture and startup sectors, which will lead the future of both countries."
Regarding the possibility of a K-pop performance, spokesperson Kang said, "The Blue House has never officially announced any cultural performances related to China as part of the schedule," adding, "The detailed itinerary is still being coordinated with China, and National Security Advisor Wi Sunglak will give a briefing on January 2."
She continued, "President Lee will hold a summit meeting and a state banquet with President Xi in Beijing, and meetings with other Chinese leaders are also being arranged. As meetings with the Korean community abroad have always been included in summit diplomacy, there will also be an opportunity to listen to their voices."
Regarding whether an economic delegation will accompany the visit, Kang said, "It is difficult to specify the exact size or composition," but added, "There are expectations for mutually beneficial economic outcomes in areas such as core mineral supply chains, mutual investment promotion, the digital economy, and eco-friendly industries. Several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) are also expected to be signed between relevant ministries." Regarding whether issues such as the ban on Korean cultural content in China will be discussed at the summit, Kang said, "It is difficult to specify the exact agenda," adding, "The agenda is still being coordinated between the two leaders, and the summit will also serve as an opportunity to discuss the situation in Northeast Asia within the framework of cooperative relations."
On the timing and background of the visit, spokesperson Kang stated, "Both sides extended invitations as state guests during the APEC Summit," and explained, "The summit meeting with President Xi was confirmed at APEC, and this visit appears to have been arranged as a reciprocal visit." She added, "President Lee had previously expressed his hope to visit China at an early date, and various circumstances were taken into account in coordinating this visit."
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