Lee Jae-myung Xi Jinping Beijing Summit 2026: Navigating a New Era of Ties

They shook hands in Beijing, but missiles were flying in the North. On January 5, 2026, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their second summit in just two months. This marks the first official visit to China by a South Korean leader since 2019, highlighting Seoul's attempt to stabilize a relationship increasingly strained by superpower competition.

Economic Priorities at the Lee Jae-myung Xi Jinping Beijing Summit 2026

Money was at the forefront of the discussions. China remains South Korea's largest trading partner. Accompanied by the heads of Samsung, SK Group, and LG, President Lee oversaw the signing of 14 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) focused on technology and trade. Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of frequent interaction, noting that "neighbors grow closer with each visit."

Regional Security and the North Korean Factor

The urgency of the meeting was underscored by North Korea firing hypersonic missiles just hours before Lee's departure. During the 90-minute summit, Lee urged Beijing to exert its influence over Kim Jong Un to resume dialogue. Both leaders agreed to hold annual meetings and expand communication between their defense authorities to build mutual trust.

Despite the cordial tone, thorny issues like the Taiwan Strait and maritime disputes in the Yellow Sea saw little progress. While Lee reaffirmed the "one China" principle, he has also deepened military cooperation with the US, including a recent agreement to build nuclear-powered submarines—a move that Beijing views with significant concern.