China and South Korea’s leaders agreed to strengthen trade and work towards regional stability during a meeting in Beijing on Monday, a visit that occurred amid recent ballistic missile tests by North Korea.
South Korea Seeks Stronger Ties with China
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of a four-day trip – his first since taking office in June. Xi emphasized the “important responsibilities” of both countries in maintaining regional peace and promoting global development, according to state-run CCTV.
Lee spoke of opening “a new chapter in the development of Korea-China relations” during “changing times,” and stated the two countries should “make joint contributions to promote peace, which is the foundation for prosperity and growth.”
The visit comes as China seeks to bolster regional support as tensions with Japan increase. Relations between Beijing and Seoul have varied in recent years, influenced by previous South Korean governments prioritizing the U.S. and Japan, and the installation of a U.S. missile defense system in South Korea. Lee has pledged to improve ties with Beijing while also maintaining strong relationships with Washington and Tokyo.
North Korea Missile Tests Overshadow Meeting
Hours before Lee’s arrival, North Korea launched several ballistic missiles, including what it claimed were hypersonic missiles, which are difficult to detect and intercept. Foreign experts have questioned whether North Korea has successfully developed such a weapon.
The two countries agreed to explore ways to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with China pledging to play “a constructive role” in promoting peace, according to South Korea’s national security adviser Wi Sung-lac.
China is a key ally and economic supporter of North Korea, and has previously joined Russia in blocking efforts to strengthen U.N. sanctions against the country.
The missile tests followed North Korean criticism of a U.S. action in Venezuela, which included the removal of President Nicolás Maduro, an event Pyongyang described as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and an example of “the rogue and brutal nature of the U.S.” China also condemned the U.S. action, citing violations of international law and threats to peace in Latin America.
Rising Tensions with Japan
Lee’s visit also coincided with increased tensions between China and Japan, stemming from comments by Japan’s new leader suggesting potential intervention in a Chinese attack on Taiwan. China recently conducted large-scale military drills around Taiwan as a warning against separatist movements and “external interference.”
During the meeting, Xi referenced the historical rivalry between China and Japan, calling for cooperation to “defend the fruits of victory in World War II and safeguard peace and stability in northeast Asia.”
Lee stated in a pre-trip interview with CCTV that South Korea’s military cooperation with the U.S. should not lead to confrontation with China, and that his visit aimed to “minimize or eliminate past misunderstandings” and elevate bilateral relations.
China and South Korea have substantial trade ties, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $273 billion in 2024. Fifteen cooperation agreements were signed during the summit, covering areas such as technology, trade, transportation, and environmental protection.
Lee also attended a business forum in Beijing with representatives from major companies including Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and Alibaba Group, where additional agreements were signed in consumer goods, agriculture, biotechnology, and entertainment.
Hyung-jin Kim contributed to this report from Seoul, South Korea.
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