Xi Jinping and Lee Jae Myung Meet Amidst Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
Gyeongju, South Korea – Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a pivotal Asian summit with a meeting Saturday with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, following an agreement between Beijing and Washington to de-escalate their trade tensions. The encounter marks a significant moment in regional diplomacy as South Korea navigates its complex relationship with both the United States and China.
The meeting between Xi and Lee, held on the final day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, represents Xi’s first visit to South Korea in over a decade. It follows closely on the heels of Thursday’s talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Busan, where both leaders signaled a willingness to reduce trade friction that had destabilized global markets. Trump’s subsequent return to the United States allowed Xi to assume a prominent role at APEC, positioning China as a champion of multilateralism in the face of perceived “hegemonism.”
Xi’s diplomatic flurry extended beyond the U.S. and South Korea. He engaged in discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney – the first formal bilateral meeting between the two nations’ leaders since 2017 – expressing a desire to restore relations and extending an invitation for Carney to visit China. He also held talks with Japan’s Premier Sanae Takaichi, emphasizing the need for a “strategic and mutually beneficial relationship” while acknowledging the importance of candid dialogue on sensitive issues.
Navigating a Delicate Balance: South Korea’s Position
South Korea finds itself in a strategically complex position, balancing its economic reliance on China with its security alliance with the United States. This delicate balancing act has been particularly challenging since 2016, when Seoul’s decision to deploy the U.S.-made THAAD missile defense system triggered significant economic retaliation from Beijing, including restrictions on South Korean businesses and a ban on group tourism.
The relationship has also been strained by cultural disputes, notably China’s claims regarding the origins of kimchi, a staple of Korean cuisine, which have fueled negative public sentiment towards China within South Korea. “Public opinion matters in foreign policy,” notes Gi-Wook Shin, a Korea expert and sociology professor at Stanford University. “Public perception of China in South Korea is highly negative, and I suspect the Chinese view of South Korea is not particularly favorable either.”
Despite these tensions, South Korea remains heavily dependent on trade with China. Recent economic agreements with the United States, including a multibillion-dollar deal announced this week, do not diminish the importance of maintaining pragmatic economic engagement with its neighbor. Seong-Hyon Lee, a scholar at the Harvard University Asia Center, suggests that Lee will likely “reassure Beijing that South Korea’s alignment with the United States does not preclude pragmatic economic engagement with China,” seeking “a measure of economic stability and a more predictable floor in bilateral relations.”
Adding another layer of complexity is Beijing’s close relationship with North Korea, which continues to pose a significant security challenge for South Korea, remaining technically at war with the South. President Lee intends to raise the issue of denuclearization and broader peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula during his meeting with Xi, though Pyongyang has already dismissed such hopes as unrealistic. The Council on Foreign Relations provides in-depth analysis of the North Korean situation.
The broader implications of Xi’s regional tour extend beyond bilateral relations. His framing of China as a defender of the multilateral order against “hegemonism” signals a continued effort to position Beijing as a global leader. Furthermore, Xi announced that Shenzhen will host next year’s APEC meeting, underscoring China’s commitment to the forum. Learn more about APEC’s mission and initiatives.
What impact will these shifting dynamics have on the future of regional security? And how will South Korea successfully navigate its complex relationship with both the U.S. and China in the years to come?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Xi-Lee Meeting
A: The primary focus is to address bilateral relations, particularly in light of South Korea’s alliance with the U.S. and its economic ties with China, and to discuss regional security concerns, including North Korea’s denuclearization.
A: The deployment of THAAD in 2016 led to significant economic retaliation from China, straining relations and fueling negative public sentiment in both countries.
A: The recent trade truce between the U.S. and China creates a more stable geopolitical environment, allowing for focused discussions on regional issues and bilateral cooperation.
A: South Korea remains committed to the denuclearization of North Korea and plans to discuss this issue with President Xi, despite Pyongyang’s dismissive stance.
A: APEC provides a platform for regional leaders to address economic and political issues, fostering cooperation and dialogue on shared challenges.
Disclaimer: This article provides news and analysis for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
Share this article with your network and join the conversation in the comments below!
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
