Xi’s First SK Visit in 11 Years Focuses on Partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first visit to South Korea in 11 years, framing the trip as a push to “open a new chapter” in relations with an “inseparable cooperative partner.” The summit with President Lee Jae Myung focused heavily on economic and multilateral cooperation.
Xi called for increased cooperation in high-tech fields like artificial intelligence, biopharmaceuticals, and green industries, as well as collaboration on shared challenges like aging populations. The two leaders signed seven agreements, including a won-yuan currency swap.
While Xi’s focus was on partnership, President Lee’s top priority was the North Korean threat. Lee appealed for Xi’s help to resume stalled talks, based on a phased plan to freeze the North’s nuclear program.
However, Chinese state media reports on the summit made no mention of the North Korea discussions. This was despite South Korea’s national security adviser confirming the topic was raised and that China expressed a willingness to cooperate for peace.
The visit was not without friction. Anti-China protests took place in Seoul, and Lee raised contentious issues with Xi, including sanctions, trade restrictions linked to the THAAD missile system, and military activity in the region.