Presidents Lee and Xi Hold Summit in Beijing Amid Regional Shifts and Enhanced Cooperation

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping convened their second summit in two months in Beijing, marking President Lee's first state visit to China since 2019. The leaders engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across economic and cultural sectors, while also addressing regional security concerns, including issues on the Korean Peninsula and maritime claims. The summit sought to foster a new phase in relations and explore avenues for stability amidst evolving geopolitical circumstances in the Asia-Pacific.

Overview of the Summit

President Lee Jae Myung's visit to Beijing, his first state visit to China since taking office in June, followed an earlier meeting with President Xi Jinping during the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, where President Lee had hosted President Xi. This frequency of engagement highlights an increasing mutual reliance between South Korea and China, particularly in economic and security matters, against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical alliances. China is South Korea's largest economic partner, serving as its primary export destination and a significant import source.

The summit commenced with both leaders delivering opening statements. President Xi emphasized that both nations "highly prioritise the South Korea-China relationship" and advocated for more frequent interaction and diligent communication, noting his previous visit to South Korea for the APEC summit was the first by a Chinese president since 2014. President Lee expressed similar sentiments, articulating a desire to initiate a "new phase" in relations and aiming for 2026 to be the "first year of full-scale restoration" of Korea-China relations.

Hours prior to President Lee's departure for China, North Korea conducted ballistic missile launches over the sea east of its territory, citing a need for a powerful nuclear deterrent. This development occurred as the leaders prepared for discussions on regional security.

Key Discussion Points

During the 90-minute summit, President Lee emphasized the importance of cooperation with China to facilitate North Korea's return to diplomatic discussions. China is North Korea's primary ally and economic supporter. South Korea’s national security adviser, Wi Sung Lac, reported that the leaders "underscored the importance of resuming dialogue with North Korea" and agreed to "continue exploring creative ways to reduce tensions and build peace on the Korean Peninsula." President Lee stated in his opening remarks that he would "work together (with China to) explore viable alternatives for peace on the Korean Peninsula." While specific mention of North Korea's denuclearization was not reported, President Xi noted that both countries "bear important responsibilities in safeguarding regional peace and promoting global development, and share broad common interests." The leaders also agreed to conduct annual meetings and increase communication between defense authorities.

President Lee arrived with a delegation of over 200 South Korean business leaders, including executives from major conglomerates such as Samsung, SK Group, and LG. The visit resulted in the signing of 14 memorandums of understanding covering areas including trade, technology, and environmental cooperation. Additionally, South Korea's Trade Ministry reported that Chinese and South Korean companies, including Alibaba International, Lenovo, and South Korean retailer Shinsegae, signed nine cooperation agreements.

Discussions highlighted the potential for expanding economic cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), consumer goods (such as household items, beauty products, and food), and cultural content (such as movies, music, games, and sports). China currently supplies nearly half of South Korea's rare earth minerals, which are critical for semiconductor production, and accounts for one-third of South Korea's annual chip exports. Huawei CEO Balian Wang announced plans to introduce the company's Ascend 950 AI chips in South Korea next year as an alternative to US-based products. China is also South Korea's largest source of foreign tourists.

Maritime issues were also addressed, particularly concerns regarding China's installation of steel structures within a jointly managed Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ) in the Yellow Sea, which began in 2018. China asserts these structures are for fish farming. South Korea’s national security adviser, Wi Sung Lac, reported that both parties concurred on the importance of a "peaceful and co-prosperous sea" in the Yellow Sea for stable long-term relations and committed to ongoing "constructive" consultations. They also agreed to conduct vice-ministerial talks on the maritime boundary within the current year.

The leaders discussed increasing access for Korean entertainment content in China, where unofficial restrictions have been observed. South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon Sik stated in a radio interview that a prompt lifting of these informal restrictions was not anticipated. Following a state banquet, President Lee posted a picture on social media featuring the presidential couples, taken with a Xiaomi smartphone previously gifted by President Xi.

Broader Regional Dynamics and International Relations

The summit took place amidst broader geopolitical shifts. China's relations with South Korea's allies, the United States and Japan, have been characterized by some analysts as having deteriorated in recent years. Bilateral differences exist between China and South Korea concerning Taiwan, trade, and maritime claims.

Prior to the summit, President Lee, in an interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, affirmed South Korea's belief in "respecting the 'one China' principle." He has previously advocated for a balanced approach, suggesting South Korea should avoid direct military involvement in a Taiwan Strait conflict. Direct discussions regarding Taiwan were not reported during the summit.

President Xi, referencing an "increasingly chaotic and complicated international situation," advised that China and South Korea should make "correct strategic choices" and "look after each other’s core interests and major concerns, and insist on properly resolving differences through dialogue and consultation." Xi also referenced the shared Chinese and Korean historical resistance against Japan during World War II, stating both nations "made tremendous national sacrifices and won the victory against Japanese militarism." President Lee also acknowledged the long-standing friendly relations and shared history of resisting sovereignty loss and fighting for independence.

Analysts observed that South Korea continues to navigate its relationship with China while maintaining its alliance with the United States. The US has expanded its military presence in the Asia Pacific, strengthening alliances with South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, and conducting joint exercises near the South China Sea where Chinese territorial claims are disputed. South Korea hosts approximately 28,500 US soldiers. An agreement between South Korea and the US to construct nuclear-powered submarines was reached in November, alongside US tariff reductions on South Korean products in exchange for US industrial investments and collaboration on shipbuilding initiatives. China had previously voiced concerns regarding South Korea's acquisition of nuclear capabilities, a topic not reported as discussed at the summit.

Mason Richey, a professor of international politics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, characterized the summit as an evaluation of President Lee’s diplomatic approach to China following a period of increased engagement with the United States. Richey noted that several issues, including Chinese hybrid threats in the Yellow Sea and China's actions regarding Taiwan and the Philippines, were not reported as having been addressed in detail. Lee Dong-gyu, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, indicated that while both China and South Korea agree on restoring relations and advancing economic cooperation, finding common ground in external relations, diplomacy, and security appears challenging. Seok Byoung-hoon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, stated that Xi’s comments suggested China desires Seoul to align with Beijing rather than Washington over cross-Strait relations with Taiwan and to respect Beijing’s position regarding the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.