President Lee Meets China's No. 2 Li Chang: "A Turning Point for Korea-China Relations"

President Lee Meets Premier Li Chang for the Third Time
"Truly Feels Like Close Friends"
Premier Li Chang: "A New Phase in Bilateral Relations"

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to China, is speaking during a meeting with Premier Li Chang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on the 6th. Photo by Yonhap News

On January 6, President Lee Jae-myung met with Premier Li Chang, the second-highest-ranking official in China, and expressed his hope that this meeting would serve as a turning point for a significant advancement in Korea-China relations.

During his state visit to China, President Lee stated at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, "Through this meeting, I hope we can freely exchange opinions on the direction of our bilateral relations, just like old friends." In this context, President Lee also quoted the proverb, "The older the friend, the better; the newer the clothes, the better."

This was the third meeting between President Lee and Premier Li Chang. President Lee previously met Premier Li during the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in October last year, and again during the G20 Summit in South Africa in November last year. President Lee remarked, "It is our third time meeting in Beijing, and I truly feel like we are close friends," expressing his delight.

President Lee emphasized, "Through two summits with President Xi Jinping, we have agreed to further mature the strategic cooperative partnership between Korea and China in ways that contribute to people's livelihoods and peace. I expect that you, Premier Li, will continue to play a significant role in advancing Korea-China relations based on these principles."

He added, "I hope that both countries will expand horizontal and mutually beneficial cooperation in line with the changing times, and that we can move forward together on a path of pragmatism and shared prosperity while promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. Through this visit, I intend to make this year the first year of full restoration of Korea-China relations and to solidify the development of our ties as an irreversible trend of the era."

Premier Li Chang stated, "Under the strategic leadership of the leaders of both countries, China-Korea relations are taking on a new look. I believe that as both sides continue to promote cooperation across various fields, it will certainly bring greater well-being to the people of both countries."

Premier Li continued, "China has always placed great importance on its relations with Korea in its diplomacy. We are maintaining good-neighborly friendship and strengthening strategic communication with Korea." He added, "I am willing to have an honest exchange of views with you, Mr. President, on matters of mutual interest."