Archive · 6 Jan 2026
South Korea and China Strengthen Ties
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visited China to meet with President Xi Jinping.
They talked about making their countries' relationship stronger.
They signed 15 agreements to work together in areas like technology, consumer goods, and cultural content.
China wants South Korea to be on its side regarding issues like Taiwan and Venezuela.
Meanwhile, North Korea launched some missiles, but that didn't stop the talks.
Both countries hope to improve their relationship and work together more in the future.
South Korea also wants China's help in improving relations with North Korea.
During the visit, Lee took a selfie with Xi using a phone gifted by Xi, which went viral online.
China and South Korea also agreed to carry out cultural exchanges in an orderly manner.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss strengthening bilateral relations.
They signed 15 cooperation agreements involving companies like Alibaba, Lenovo, Shinsegae, CATL, ZTE, Tencent, Samsung Electronics, and Hyundai Motor Group.
China urged South Korea to make 'right strategic choices' and stand on the 'right side of history' in a complex and turbulent world.
South Korea aims to open a 'new phase' in relations based on trust and seek feasible alternatives for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles hours before the visit, but it did not disrupt the talks.
- Who
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping
- What
- A state visit and summit to discuss and strengthen bilateral relations
- When
- January 5, 2026
- Where
- Beijing, China
- Why
- To boost economic collaboration, tourism, and strategic cooperation, and to discuss regional peace and security
China's Perspective
South Korea's Perspective
Strategic Choices
China's Perspective
China urged South Korea to make 'right strategic choices' and stand on the 'right side of history' in a complex and turbulent world.
South Korea's Perspective
South Korea aims to open a 'new phase' in relations based on trust and seek feasible alternatives for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Regional Peace and Security
China's Perspective
China emphasized the importance of Beijing and Seoul upholding peace in the region and noted their broad common interests.
South Korea's Perspective
South Korea views China as an important cooperative partner in moving toward peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula.
- South Korean President
- Lee Jae Myung
- Chinese President
- Xi Jinping
- Number of Agreements Signed
- 15
- Key Companies Involved
- Alibaba, Lenovo, Shinsegae, CATL, ZTE, Tencent, Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Group
- Duration of State Visit
- 4 days
- Delegation Size
- More than 200 business leaders
- Focus Areas of Cooperation
- Artificial Intelligence, Consumer Goods, Cultural Content, Technological Innovation, Environment, Transportation, Trade
- North Korea's Recent Activity
- Launched at least two ballistic missiles
- Selfie Incident
- Lee Jae Myung shared selfies with Xi Jinping using a Xiaomi phone gifted by Xi, sparking online buzz.
- Cultural Exchanges
- China and South Korea agreed to carry out cultural exchanges in an orderly manner.
Sources
Korea’s Lee, in Beijing, sees full restoration of China ties in 2026
Nine cooperation deals signed, as South Korea’s Lee visits China
Xi Urges South Korea's Lee to Make 'Right Choices' in Turbulent World
Korea’s Lee, in Beijing, says he seeks full restoration of China ties in 2026
Make "Right Choices" In Turbulent World: Xi Jinping To South Korean President
Xi tells visiting South Korean President Lee to join China in making 'right choices' in a 'complex world'
South Korea's Lee Takes Selfie With Xi Using Chinese Phone He Was Gifted
China, South Korea to carry out cultural exchanges in orderly manner, Beijing says
