President Lee Emphasizes 'Horizontal Korea-China Economic Cooperation'... State Visit to China on January 4

Interview with China’s CCTV Ahead of State Visit
Proposal to Establish New Partnership in AI and Advanced Industries
Over 10 MOUs to Be Signed
On Taiwan Issue: “Respect for One China... Peace in Northeast Asia Is Extremely Important”
“Korea’s Strategic Autonomy Is Very Important... Korea-China Leaders Should Meet at Least Once a Year”
“Shared Anti-Japanese Resistance Experience Is Crucial... We Cannot Dwell Only on the Past”

President Lee Jaemyung, ahead of his state visit to China from January 4 to 7, stated the need to newly establish a horizontal and equal partnership in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced industries. Given China's rapid economic growth, the intention is to identify areas for cooperation so that both countries can enhance their respective capabilities. Regarding the cross-strait issue between China and Taiwan, which China has been increasingly vocal about recently, President Lee expressed respect for the "One China" policy and proposed that the two countries create an opportunity to meet at least once a year for mutual coexistence and cooperation.

Yonhap News

In an interview with China's state-run CCTV released on January 2, President Lee said, "If the existing Korea-China economic cooperation was a somewhat vertical structure that combined Korea's advanced technology and capital with China's labor force, there are now many areas where China has caught up with or even surpassed Korea, thanks to President Xi Jinping's outstanding leadership." He added that a 200-member economic and trade delegation would accompany him on this visit to China. The key event of this visit, the summit with President Xi, will be held on January 5, and more than 10 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) covering various fields such as public welfare and the economy are scheduled to be signed after the summit.

President Lee also highlighted the commonalities in the Korea-China economic growth strategies, which focus on advanced technology. China's 15th Five-Year Plan includes a growth strategy centered on AI and advanced technology. President Lee stated, "The economic growth strategies of Korea and China have similar aspects. While we are competitors, there is also significant potential for collaboration. By enhancing our respective capabilities through cooperation, we can build a relationship that benefits each country's growth strategy."

President Lee cited China's transition to renewable energy as an example of its advanced technological development. He has visited several Chinese cities, including Chongqing and Dalian, multiple times during his terms as mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province. He remarked, "China now dominates the global renewable energy industry, especially in solar power. The country has truly outstanding capabilities in developing new technologies and driving industrial growth." He added, "This trend is likely to continue for some time, and I expect it will open significant opportunities for Korea as well."

He also expressed hope that President Xi's visit to Korea last year and this state visit to China would serve as a springboard for a clear leap forward in Korea-China relations. Regarding President Xi, Lee said, "I believe he is an exceptionally capable and broad-minded leader. During the Korea-China summit at the APEC meeting in Gyeongju, President Xi unexpectedly displayed a good sense of humor, and when I joked with my phone, he responded very graciously, which left a very positive impression of his character among the Korean people." President Lee continued, "Although there are many apparent difficulties, I believe President Xi has a deep understanding of the importance of building a mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries."

"I Also Respect 'One China' Policy"... "Korea's Strategic Autonomy Is Very Important... Korea-China Leaders Should Meet at Least Once a Year"

Yonhap News

President Lee reaffirmed Korea's respect for the "One China" policy, one of the longstanding concerns of the Chinese government, emphasizing mutual respect for national interests. He said, "I also respect the One China policy." This reiterates the Korean government's position since the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1992, which has recognized that "there is only one China, and Taiwan is part of China." President Lee stressed, "The core principles that defined Korea-China relations at the time of diplomatic normalization remain valid. I want to clearly state that respecting the One China policy and ensuring peace and stability in Northeast Asia, including the cross-strait issue with Taiwan, are extremely important."

He also mentioned that cooperation should be pursued based on a "pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests" to maximize each country's interests. He dismissed some concerns about the Korea-China relationship, emphasizing the need to continuously seek mutual national interests through coexistence and cooperation.

President Lee began by saying, "I understand that in China, there is a term called 'practical and realistic approach.'" He continued, "While each country should faithfully pursue its own national interest, it is possible to coexist if both sides are considerate of each other's positions and make reasonable adjustments. In the past, there was the logic of 'security with the United States, economy with China,' but now I believe Korea's strategic autonomy is extremely important." He added, "While cooperation with the United States on security is unavoidable, making Korea-China relations confrontational or antagonistic does not serve Korea's national interest at all."

Accordingly, President Lee emphasized the need for constant dialogue for national interests and proposed that the leaders of both countries meet frequently. He said, "It would be good for the leaders to have at least one opportunity to meet each year. It doesn't matter whether I go to China or the Chinese leadership comes to Korea." He further stated, "Through frequent meetings, I am confident that Korea-China relations can develop to a much higher and deeper level than now."

Regarding the shared history of anti-Japanese resistance, President Lee said that while it is a history that should never be repeated, the two countries should find ways to work together for a better future rather than being fixated on the past. He emphasized, "Each country should pursue its national interest to the maximum, but not at the expense of another country's national interest. The historical experience of Korea and China responding to aggression is extremely important. At the same time, since we cannot only dwell on the past, we must constantly seek opportunities to work together for a better future for the people of both countries."

In terms of domestic politics, President Lee pledged to continue politics of integration and inclusion. He said, "The most important thing is to minimize conflicts among members, recognize each other's existence, cooperate, and live together as necessary partners. That is the role of the nation, the government, and politics." He added, "The Democratic Party of Korea, to which I belong, or the Korean government, will continue to work to minimize conflict, hatred, and animosity, and to build Korea into a beautiful community."

President Lee to Depart for Beijing, China on January 4... Korea-China Summit on January 5

The Blue House cited the following as expected outcomes of this visit to China: ▲Solidifying the foundation of political goodwill for the full restoration of Korea-China relations ▲Strengthening practical cooperation in public welfare based on horizontal and reciprocal cooperation ▲Enhancing communication between Korea and China for peace on the Korean Peninsula ▲Stable management of sensitive issues between the two countries.

Upon arriving in Beijing on January 4, President Lee's first official schedule will be attending a dinner meeting with Korean nationals residing in China. He is expected to listen to their voices and introduce the new policy direction of the Lee Jaemyung administration for the new year, as well as support measures for overseas Koreans.

On the morning of January 5, he will attend the Korea-China Business Forum, where he will interact with business leaders from both countries and discuss ways to create new areas of economic cooperation based on the complementary strengths of the two countries' industries in manufacturing, consumer goods, and services.

In the afternoon, he will proceed with a series of official events, including an official welcoming ceremony, a summit with President Xi, an MOU signing ceremony, and a state banquet. At the APEC summit in Gyeongju, where the two leaders agreed to fully restore Korea-China relations, they plan to hold in-depth discussions on practical solutions to address public welfare and peace issues facing both countries through dialogue.

On January 6, President Lee will meet Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (the equivalent of China's parliamentary speaker), followed by a meeting and luncheon with Premier Li Qiang, China's top economic policymaker. With Chairman Zhao, he is expected to discuss ways to promote goodwill between the peoples of Korea and China, and with Premier Li, he will exchange views on creating a new economic cooperation model based on horizontal cooperation in line with the changing times.

After completing his schedule in Beijing, President Lee will travel to Shanghai for a dinner with Chen Jining, Party Secretary of Shanghai. At the dinner, President Lee plans to have meaningful discussions on exchanges between local governments and people-to-people exchanges between Shanghai, which has driven China's economic growth, and Korea, as well as the preservation and management of historic sites related to the independence movement.

On the last day of the visit, January 7, President Lee will attend the Korea-China Venture Startup Summit held in Shanghai, China's economic hub, where he will interact with young entrepreneurs from both countries who are leading innovation using digital technology in fields such as content, healthcare, infrastructure, and energy. He will explore ways to make the venture startup sector a new pillar of future-oriented cooperation between Korea and China.

As the final official event of his state visit to China, President Lee will visit the former Korean Provisional Government building in Shanghai. With the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation in 2025, the 150th anniversary of Kim Gu's birth in 2026, and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Provisional Government in Shanghai approaching, the plan is to honor the sacrifices and dedication of Korea's independence activists and commemorate the shared historical experience of Korea and China working together to restore national sovereignty.