South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is embarking on a significant diplomatic mission to China, commencing on Sunday, 4 January 2026. The four-day state visit, his first to the nation since taking office in June, unfolds against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions between China and Japan concerning Taiwan.
A Strategic Visit Amidst Regional Friction
The timing of President Lee's trip is pivotal. It follows provocative remarks in November from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested Japan's military could intervene should China take action against Taiwan. Beijing, which claims the self-ruled island as its sovereign territory, has responded assertively. Last week, China conducted large-scale military drills around Taiwan for two days, warning against separatist forces and "external interference."
Ahead of his departure, President Lee signalled his commitment to the bilateral relationship in an interview with China's state broadcaster CCTV. He emphasised that his government prioritises relations with Beijing and reaffirmed that South Korea consistently respects the "One-China" policy regarding Taiwan. Lee praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a "truly reliable neighbour" and stated that the healthy development of ties depends on mutual respect.
Key Agendas: Security and Economic Cooperation
During his stay, President Lee will hold a summit with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on Monday. This marks their second meeting in just two months. According to South Korea's national security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, the leaders will conduct "in-depth talks on substantive ways" to address security and economic issues facing both nations.
A central topic will be the Korean Peninsula. Seoul, alongside its ally the United States, has long urged China—North Korea's traditional ally—to use its influence to persuade Pyongyang to return to denuclearisation talks. Wi confirmed that South Korea will request China play "a constructive role" in promoting peace on the peninsula. Lee had previously raised this issue with Xi during talks in November.
The visit also aims to bolster economic ties and address past misunderstandings that have hindered the relationship. "This visit to China aims to minimize or eliminate these past misunderstandings or contradictions, to elevate and develop South Korea-China relations to a new stage," Lee was quoted as saying.
Navigating Complex Alliances
President Lee's trip underscores the delicate balancing act Seoul must perform. While South Korea is a key military ally of the United States—a fact underscored by recent U.S. arms sales to Taiwan that angered Beijing—Lee stressed that this alliance "does not mean South Korea-China relations should move toward confrontation." In December, China sanctioned 20 U.S. defence-related companies in response to the planned arms sales.
On Tuesday, Lee is scheduled to meet with Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress, and Premier Li Qiang. The South Korean delegation has stated it will push for substantial achievements that could directly benefit ordinary citizens in both countries, highlighting the visit's broader economic and diplomatic objectives.
