President Lee Jae-myung China Visit 2026: A High-Stakes Summit with 200 Business Leaders

The tightrope walk between a core alliance and national interest has officially begun. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung touched down in Beijing at noon on January 4, 2026, marking his first state visit to China since taking office. According to the SCMP, this trip comes as the old global order crumbles, leaving Seoul to navigate a landscape of deep uncertainty.

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

President Lee isn't traveling alone. He's accompanied by a massive delegation of over 200 entrepreneurs, including the top leadership of Samsung and SK Group. The four-day itinerary is split between Beijing and Shanghai, signaling a heavy focus on revitalizing economic ties despite ongoing geopolitical friction.

The centerpiece of the visit is a summit with President Xi Jinping scheduled for Monday. Following a business forum, the two leaders will likely sign several memorandums of understanding before attending a state banquet hosted by Xi. It's a delicate diplomatic dance where Lee must balance security concerns regarding North Korea with the necessity of maintaining a stable relationship with China.

Economic Pragmatism Amidst Global Turbulence

Industry experts suggest that the inclusion of tech giants like Samsung highlights the critical nature of supply chain stability. As the US-China rivalry intensifies, South Korea is attempting to carve out a space where it can protect its technological edge while securing market access.