President Lee: "Let's Open a New Chapter in Korea-China Relations"... Xi Jinping: "We Must Make Correct and Proper Strategic Choices"

President Lee and President Xi Hold Korea-China Summit
"An Important Milestone for the Comprehensive Restoration of Korea-China Relations"
Proposal to "Jointly Seek Viable Alternatives for Peace on the Korean Peninsula"
President Xi Highly Praise

President Lee Jaemyung, who is on a state visit to China, stated during a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the afternoon of January 5 (local time), "This summit is an important opportunity to make 2026 the first year of a full restoration of Korea-China relations." He also proposed that the two countries jointly seek feasible alternatives regarding peace on the Korean Peninsula. This marks the first state visit to China by a South Korean president in about eight years since December 2017.

Yonhap News Agency

President Lee referenced the Korea-China summit held on the sidelines of last year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, saying, "It has only been two months since we met in Gyeongju and had in-depth discussions about the future of Korea-China relations, but it feels as if I am meeting old friends after a long time. I am deeply grateful to be able to make a swift state visit to China at your invitation, even before the impressions of our summit in Gyeongju have faded."

He further emphasized the significance of this summit, stating, "For both myself and you, Mr. President, this is the first state-level diplomatic engagement marking the start of 2026, the Year of Byeong-o. I will continue to make unwavering efforts to develop our countries' strategic cooperative partnership into an irreversible trend of our times."

President Lee also mentioned the shared historical experience of anti-Japanese resistance, proposing to open a new chapter in the development of Korea-China relations. "The roots of Korea-China relations run very deep," he said. "For thousands of years, we have maintained friendly relations as neighboring countries. During the period when our national sovereignty was lost, we joined hands and fought together for its restoration." He added, "Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, we have developed a mutually beneficial and inseparable cooperative relationship. I hope to open a new chapter in Korea-China relations in step with the trends and changes of the times, together with you, Mr. President."

In particular, President Lee called for seeking feasible alternatives for peace on the Korean Peninsula. "Based on the trust between myself and you, Mr. President, I will work to solidify the political and emotional foundations of Korea-China relations," he said. "We will continue mutually beneficial cooperation in areas directly related to the daily lives of our people, and strengthen efforts to resolve livelihood issues." He also stated, "Regarding peace on the Korean Peninsula, we must jointly seek feasible alternatives and ensure that both countries contribute together to peace, which is the fundamental basis for prosperity and growth."

President Lee concluded, "I hope that today’s meeting will allow us to share the discussions we could not finish in Gyeongju, and serve as a decisive moment that further solidifies the historic trend of fully restoring Korea-China relations. Once again, thank you for your invitation."

Yonhap News Agency

President Xi, in turn, highly praised the realization of mutual visits within just two months, saying, "This demonstrates that both countries attach great importance to Korea-China relations." He continued, "As the international situation becomes increasingly turbulent, our two countries bear important and broad responsibilities in maintaining regional peace and promoting global development."

President Xi further stated, "With our broad common interests, we must stand on the right side of history and make accurate and correct strategic choices. China should firmly safeguard the direction of friendly cooperation with Korea and maintain the principle of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, ensuring that our strategic cooperative partnership develops along a healthy trajectory." He added, "We must enhance the well-being of our peoples and inject positive energy into regional and global peace and development."

Attending the summit from the Korean side were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yooncheol, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeonggwan, Director of National Security Wi Seongrak, Policy Chief Kim Yongbeom, Ambassador to China Noh Jaeheon, Second Deputy Director of National Security Lim Woongsun, and Chief of AI Ha Jeongwoo. From the Chinese side, those present included Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission Zheng Shanjie, Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun, Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, and Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming.