Lee Jae-myung Xi Jinping Summit 2026: A Delicate Handshake Amid Regional Turmoil

The handshake in Beijing was firm, but the sky over the East Sea was filled with smoke. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met Chinese leader Xi Jinping on January 5, 2026, marking the first state visit by a South Korean leader to China since 2017.

The Lee Jae-myung Xi Jinping Summit 2026: Forging a New Path

During their 90-minute meeting, President Lee expressed a strong desire to collaborate with Xi to "forge a new path" for bilateral ties. Xi responded by stating that China must uphold a direction of friendly cooperation. While the rhetoric was positive, the geopolitical backdrop remains incredibly complex as both nations navigate a shifting global order.

North Korea’s Hypersonic Intervention

Just as Lee departed for Beijing on January 4, North Korea launched multiple hypersonic missiles that flew about 1,000 km. Kim Jong Un linked the test to recent "geopolitical crises," likely referring to the U.S. arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. It's a clear signal that Pyongyang won't be sidelined by Seoul's diplomatic outreach to Beijing.