South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for a reset in relations with China, describing his visit to Beijing as the start of a “new phase” between the two countries.
Meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, Lee said the talks marked an opportunity to restore ties that had deteriorated in recent years.
The four-day visit is the first by a South Korean leader since 2019 and comes after relations cooled under Lee’s predecessor, who took a more confrontational stance toward Beijing. Lee’s agenda includes regional security, economic cooperation and the easing of China’s long-standing unofficial restrictions on South Korean pop culture.
During the meeting, officials and business representatives from both sides signed cooperation agreements covering technology, trade and environmental projects. Lee also emphasised the importance of balancing South Korea’s security alliance with the United States against its deep economic dependence on China, signalling his intention to pursue pragmatic diplomacy.
Xi, facing growing regional tensions and strained ties with Japan, urged closer coordination and highlighted shared historical experiences in Northeast Asia. Both leaders agreed to maintain dialogue on sensitive security issues and maritime concerns.
