South Korea-China Summit 2026: Lee and Xi Proclaim a 'New Era' of Cooperation

They've shaken hands, but the road ahead remains complex. President Lee and China's Xi Jinping have officially signaled the start of a 'new era' during the South Korea-China Summit 2026. According to Yonhap News, the high-stakes meeting focused on repairing economic ties and seeking viable solutions for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Economic Interdependence at the South Korea-China Summit 2026

The summit kicked off with a strong emphasis on economic partnership. President Xi Jinping described the visit as a meaningful step that firms up the basis for bilateral relations. Discussions centered on supply chain stability and technological collaboration. However, the shadow of North Korea loomed large. With Kim Jong-un recently inspecting rocket factories and testing hypersonic missiles, Seoul pushed for Beijing's active role in regional de-escalation.

Navigating Domestic Turmoil and Soft Power

President Lee's diplomatic push comes at a critical time as he faces backlash at home over controversial cabinet picks. Despite the domestic political noise and the resignation of the ruling party's floor leader, the administration is banking on international success to regain momentum. Meanwhile, the cultural landscape remains vibrant as BTS prepares for a full-group comeback in March 2026, providing a strong backdrop of South Korean soft power during these sensitive negotiations.