Lee Jae Myung Xi Jinping Summit 2026: Navigating Security and Economy in Beijing

They're shaking hands again, but the underlying tension is palpable. President Lee Jae Myung is set to embark on a four-day state visit to China starting Sunday, marking a high-stakes diplomatic marathon with President Xi Jinping.

According to National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, the Lee Jae Myung Xi Jinping Summit 2026 will primarily focus on peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. It's an unusually rapid follow-up, coming less than two months after Xi's visit to South Korea in November 2025, signaling an urgent need for bilateral alignment amid shifting regional dynamics.

Security Chess: Submarines and Taiwan Tensions

While practical cooperation in supply chains and the digital economy is on the agenda, sensitive security issues loom large. China has expressed concerns over South Korea's push to develop nuclear-powered submarines. Wi Sung-lac emphasized that Seoul will explain this as a necessary response to North Korea's evolving threats, specifically its recently unveiled nuclear-capable submarine.

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The Taiwan issue adds another layer of complexity. Following Beijing's large-scale military drills near the island earlier this week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged a "responsible" approach from Seoul. In response, South Korea maintains its respect for the "One-China" policy, walking a fine line between its treaty ally, the U.S., and its largest trading partner.

Economic Realignment and Shared History

President Lee's itinerary includes meetings with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji to deepen economic ties. A large business delegation will accompany the president, focusing on cultural exchanges and lifting the unofficial restrictions on Korean content that have persisted since 2017.

The visit also holds symbolic weight. Lee will visit the historic site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai, marking its centennial anniversary and the 150th anniversary of independence hero Kim Gu's birth. This emphasizes a shared history of resistance against colonial rule, aiming to soften diplomatic friction with historical solidarity.