South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung has used an interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV to reaffirm Seoul’s respect for the One-China principle and to set a pragmatic tone for his state visit to China from 4 to 7 January 2026. The remarks, aired on 2 January, signalled an intent to reset political and economic engagement as both countries seek more predictable relations.
South Korea China relations gain focus ahead of state visit
Lee described the visit as a key opportunity to strengthen ties between the neighbouring countries. He said cooperation is essential amid rising global uncertainties and that closer dialogue would serve the long-term interests of both peoples. The state visit, confirmed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, will be Lee’s first official trip to Beijing since he took office.
On the question of Taiwan, a sensitive issue in bilateral relations, Lee reiterated that South Korea will uphold the consensus reached when diplomatic relations were established, maintaining a principled respect for the One-China position. He emphasised that this stance remains consistent and continues to guide Seoul’s approach.
Economic engagement is central to the visit. Lee signalled he will lead an economic delegation of more than 200 business representatives to explore opportunities for joint development in advanced industries. He highlighted artificial intelligence and high technology as priority areas where cooperation could deliver mutual benefits and help drive growth in both economies.
Analysts say the move reflects a pragmatic foreign policy approach. Lee framed his diplomacy around improving national prosperity while preserving traditional alliances, including with the United States. He argued that maintaining a balanced approach would avoid unnecessary confrontation and contribute to stability in Northeast Asia.
Lee also made a point of recalling shared historical experiences, including resistance against Japanese aggression in the mid-20th century, and called for a forward-looking relationship built on frequent dialogue and practical cooperation. The president’s comments follow a series of recent steps by Seoul and Beijing to restore strategic cooperation after periods of friction.
Officials on both sides have signalled that the summit will prioritise tangible outcomes across political and economic fronts. Expected topics include trade facilitation, investment in emerging technologies, and collaboration on supply chain resilience. South Korean business leaders will watch closely for commercial agreements and frameworks that could open new markets or deepen existing ties.
Beyond immediate commercial interests, the visit carries geopolitical significance. Improved Sino–Korean ties could help moderate regional tensions and provide new channels for crisis management. At the same time, Seoul’s insistence on preserving its security ties ensures that the relationship will be managed within a broader, multilateral strategic context.
The state visit offers Beijing and Seoul a chance to stabilise relations and pursue concrete partnerships in sectors undergoing rapid transformation. For South Korean firms seeking scale in artificial intelligence and high-tech manufacturing, closer cooperation with China presents both opportunity and competitive challenge. The coming days in Beijing will test whether leaders can translate diplomatic goodwill into measurable economic and strategic results.
Key Takeaways:
- President Lee reaffirms South Korea’s respect for the One-China principle ahead of his state visit to China.
- Lee will lead a delegation of more than 200 business representatives to pursue cooperation in AI and high technology.
- Seoul aims to balance alliances, including with the United States, while deepening ties with Beijing to promote stability in Northeast Asia.
