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Lee Jae Myung Visits China for Summit with Xi Jinping to Boost Strategic Ties

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will make a state visit to China for summit talks with President Xi Jinping, marking his first trip to China since taking office. The leaders aim to strengthen the strategic cooperative partnership, with discussions on supply chains, the digital economy, and transnational crime. The visit includes commemorations of Korean independence history in Shanghai and business events to boost startup partnerships. A major business delegation, including leaders from SK, Samsung, Hyundai, and LG, will accompany President Lee to foster economic ties.

Key Points: South Korea's President Lee Visits China for Summit with Xi Jinping

  • Strengthening strategic partnership
  • Boosting economic & supply chain ties
  • Addressing North Korea dialogue
  • Honoring historical anniversaries
3 min read

South Korean President Lee to make State Visit to China next week for summit with Xi Jinping

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visits China for a state visit and summit with President Xi Jinping, focusing on economic cooperation and regional stability.

"They are expected to discuss ways to produce tangible results that directly benefit people in both countries. - Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung"

Seoul, Dec 30

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will make a State Visit to China early next week for summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday, with the leaders expected to discuss ways to strengthen strategic cooperation and bilateral economic ties.

Lee is scheduled to depart for Beijing on Sunday for summit talks with Xi. On next Tuesday, Lee will travel to Shanghai before returning home on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a briefing, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The meeting will be the leaders' second since their first summit talks on Nov. 1 on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, South Korea.

It marks Lee's first visit to China since taking office in June and the first state visit to China by a South Korean president since 2017.

Their first meeting in two months is expected to build on the momentum toward fully restoring "strategic cooperative partnership" between the two nations, according to the spokesperson.

"They are expected to discuss ways to produce tangible results that directly benefit people in both countries, including cooperation in supply chain investments, the digital economy and responses to transnational crime," Kang said.

The planned visit comes as Lee has pledged to manage relations with China -- South Korea's largest trading partner and a key economic backer of North Korea -- in a stable manner, amid Seoul's efforts to bring Pyongyang back to the dialogue table.

Seoul has urged Beijing to play a constructive role in fostering conditions for the resumption of dialogue with North Korea, with China reaffirming its commitment to stability on the Korean Peninsula.

While in Shanghai, Lee will mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Korean independence hero Kim Gu (1876-1949) and the centennial anniversary of the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in the city.

Kim was a key leader of the independence movement during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule and served as president of the provisional government in Shanghai.

Lee is also scheduled to attend business events aimed at boosting partnerships between venture and startup companies from the two countries, Kang said.

The two countries plan to sign several memorandums of understanding covering a range of cooperation areas during the visit, she added, noting that further details will be released later.

According to industry sources, a large-scale business delegation led by SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won is expected to accompany Lee on the trip.

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo are also likely to join the delegation organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the sources said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
The business delegation is huge! SK, Samsung, Hyundai, LG... This is clearly about securing supply chains and tech partnerships. South Korea is smart to diversify its economic engagements, especially with the global slowdown. India should also aggressively pursue such partnerships with tech-forward nations.
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Priya S
The part about marking Kim Gu's anniversary in Shanghai is a powerful symbolic gesture. It shows South Korea asserting its historical narrative while engaging with a major power. Respectful criticism: I wish our media covered such nuanced diplomatic moves in our own neighbourhood with similar depth. 🇮🇳
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Rohit P
North Korea will be the elephant in the room. China holds the key there. If this visit helps bring some stability to the Korean peninsula, it's good for the whole region, including us. Less tension anywhere is better for global trade and security.
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Aman W
Focus on digital economy and startups is key. South Korea and China are tech giants. India has a massive digital economy too – we should be learning from and collaborating in these areas, not just watching from the sidelines. Make in India for the world should include these sectors!
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Kavya N
First state visit since 2017! That's a long gap. Shows relations were cool for a while, probably due to THAAD and US alliances. This thaw is significant. Every country has to manage its relationship with China pragmatically. It's a delicate dance.

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