South Korea's President Lee Jaemyung Visits China: A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations

On Monday, South Korean President Lee Jaemyung commenced his significant trip to China, marking the first visit by a South Korean leader since 2019 and the first state visit since 2017. This historical event signals a thawing of relations between the two nations, which had soured during the tenure of Lee's predecessor, the conservative Yoon Sukyeol, who faced impeachment and is currently on trial for attempting to impose martial law at the end of 2024. President Lee referred to this visit as the start of a new phase in South Korea-China relations, with 2026 set as the target year for full restoration of diplomatic ties. The four-day visit has been characterized by a friendly demeanor exhibited by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is notably invested in the outcome of this meeting. A key moment during their Monday meeting was when Lee took a selfie with Xi and their wives, a departure from the typical formalities of such engagements. This selfie was taken with a Xiaomi smartphone that Xi had gifted to Lee last November—and it highlights a warming relationship, showcasing a sense of camaraderie. Lee humorously noted the possible security implications of using a Chinese device, prompting Xi to invite him to check for any potential backdoors, a reference to previous cyberattack concerns. Lee shared the selfie on X (formerly Twitter), praising its quality, which reflects a more relaxed atmosphere in their interactions. Expected improvements in relations with China and North Korea followed Lee's election victory last June. Lee, who hails from the center-left, advocates for a diplomatic approach characterized by conciliation, in stark contrast to the hostility of Yoon’s administration from 2022 to 2024. For China, enhancing ties with South Korea is strategically important, particularly as it seeks alliances in the region amid rising tensions with Japan over issues surrounding Taiwan, an island that operates independently but is claimed by China. While many Western and Japanese governments have condemned China's military activities in the vicinity of Taiwan, analysts note that South Korea has maintained a relatively neutral stance. Xi's unusual reference to World War II during their discussions served to underline the shared historical context of resistance against Japanese militarism. Economically, China stands as a vital trading partner for South Korea, and during this visit, President Lee is accompanied by 200 entrepreneurs, showcasing a commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties. Approximately fifteen cooperation agreements were signed during their meetings, spanning categories from transportation to technology. However, the talks did not yield concessions concerning restrictions on South Korean cultural exports, which was one of Lee’s objectives. China's role as a mediator in North Korean affairs is crucial, as it remains North Korea's primary international ally alongside Russia. For Lee, maintaining favorable relations with China is essential in his efforts to negotiate a more amicable approach to the North Korean regime, which has yet to yield significant results. Notably, on the same day Lee departed for Beijing, North Korea conducted a provocative missile launch into the sea, highlighting the complexities surrounding the ongoing diplomatic efforts. As President Lee showcases a more open and reconciliatory approach to foreign affairs, the trajectory of South Korea-China relations appears to be on an upward path, significantly impacting regional dynamics in Northeast Asia. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2