S. Korea China cooperation MOUs 2026: Lee and Xi sign 14 agreements in Beijing

Shaking hands in Beijing while keeping a close eye on Washington—South Korea's delicate diplomatic balancing act is now in writing. On Jan. 5, 2026, President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed 14 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) covering industries, technology, and the environment. The summit at the Great Hall of the People signals Lee's push for "pragmatic" diplomacy, aiming to stabilize ties with China without compromising Seoul's security alliance with the United States.

S. Korea China Cooperation MOUs 2026: A Blueprint for Pragmatic Partnership

A central pillar of the agreements is the establishment of a regular dialogue platform between the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and China's Ministry of Commerce. This new channel is designed to foster commercial cooperation and streamline industrial exchanges. On the tech front, the two nations inked deals to boost science and technology innovation and digital collaboration, focusing on nurturing startups and protecting intellectual property (IP) through new tech-driven enforcement measures.

The cooperation also extends to the environment and transport. Moving beyond the long-standing issue of fine dust, the new MOUs commit to regular ministerial meetings on climate change. Meanwhile, a transportation agreement outlines joint efforts in railways, roads, and future mobility, supported by a newly formed working-level consultative body.

Cultural Soft Power: The Return of the Lions

Beyond policy, a significant cultural gesture underscored the summit. A pair of Qing Dynasty stone lion statues, held by the Kansong Art and Culture Foundation since 1933, will be returned to China. Cheong Wa Dae noted that this decision paves the way for broader cultural exchanges, acting as a bridge between the two nations' histories.