Lee Jae-myung China Visit 2026: Navigating the US-China Rivalry

It's a diplomatic tightrope walk where the stakes couldn't be higher. Ahead of his highly anticipated state visit to China, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung signaled a shift toward pragmatism, acknowledging security ties with the US while strictly avoiding confrontation with Beijing.

Lee Jae-myung China Visit 2026: Balancing Security and Prosperity

In an interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV on January 2, 2026, President Lee described security cooperation with Washington as an "unavoidable reality" for Seoul. However, he emphasized that this relationship doesn't mean South Korea's ties with China must move toward hostility. He called for a focus on mutually beneficial opportunities despite the increasingly complex global landscape.

The president's remarks suggest a desire to de-escalate tensions that have periodically strained the Seoul-Beijing relationship over the past few years. By acknowledging the structural necessity of the US alliance, he's attempting to manage Chinese expectations while asserting Korea's independent economic and diplomatic interests.

A Push for Routine High-Level Dialogue

To stabilize the relationship, Lee proposed more frequent communication between top leaders. He suggested holding summits at least once a year to address regional issues and economic cooperation. This institutionalization of dialogue is seen as a move to prevent sudden diplomatic freezes.