South Korean President Lee Jae Myung embarked on a significant four-day visit to China on Sunday, aiming to enhance economic relations with its largest trading partner amid sensitive geopolitical dynamics surrounding Taiwan. This visit marks the first time in six years that a South Korean leader has journeyed to Beijing, arriving shortly after China conducted extensive military exercises near Taiwan, which has raised international concerns. In contrast, South Korea has chosen not to publicly condemn these drills.
Accompanied by a delegation of influential business and technology leaders, President Lee is set to engage in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials. One of his goals is to leverage China’s influence over North Korea in an effort to improve inter-Korean relations. Just before Lee’s departure, South Korea reported that North Korea had conducted a ballistic missile test in the Sea of Japan, illustrating the ongoing military tensions in the region.
Historically, South Korea has maintained a careful balance between engaging with China, its primary trading partner, and the United States, its main security ally. Experts warn that China is actively seeking to pull South Korea away from the influence of Washington, viewing the nation as a potential weak link as trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan strengthens.
Amidst escalating tensions, President Lee has refrained from taking sides in ongoing disputes between China and Japan, advocating for a diplomatic stance to avoid further conflicts. He has also been cautious in addressing potential South Korean involvement in any Taiwan-related conflicts, emphasizing the importance of respecting the “one-China” principle and maintaining stability in Northeast Asia.
On the economic front, Lee advocates for a balanced and mutually beneficial trade approach between South Korea and China. The delegation includes top executives from major companies like Samsung, a leader in memory chip production crucial for the rapidly expanding AI market, and Hyundai Motor Group’s executive chair, Chung Eui-sun. This visit aims not only to strengthen economic ties but also to open discussions regarding the informal ban on South Korean pop culture in China, which has been in place for nearly a decade.
A summit with President Xi is scheduled for Monday, followed by trade negotiations with Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday. Lee’s itinerary also includes a stop in Shanghai, a vital center for South Korean businesses, where he will participate in a startup summit and visit historical sites related to Korea’s past under Japanese occupation.
This visit is viewed as a crucial diplomatic step to revitalize relations with China, particularly following a prior meeting between Xi and Lee last November, which was seen as an attempt to reset the historically tense relations between the two nations. The outcomes of this visit may hold significant implications not only for South Korea’s economy but also for regional security and diplomatic alignments in East Asia.
