Gyeongju: President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to jointly promote peace on the Korean Peninsula and enhance practical cooperation, marking a significant development in Seoul-Beijing relations. Their meeting occurred during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, coinciding with Xi's state visit to South Korea, his first in over a decade.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the summit was particularly significant as it came amidst Seoul's efforts to balance its relationship with China, North Korea's ally, while maintaining close ties with the United States. The discussion, taking place two months after Xi's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, saw Lee seeking China's influence to resume dialogue with North Korea and support his denuclearization initiatives.
President Lee expressed optimism for a new era of peaceful coexistence, highlighting China's potential role in the process. Xi reiterated China's commitment to regional peace and stability, affirming Beijing's intent to maintain policy consistency and enhance communication with South Korea.
Beyond security, both leaders explored expanding cooperation across various sectors. They witnessed the signing of seven memorandums of understanding (MOUs), including a currency swap deal renewal and agreements on trade negotiations and law enforcement collaboration.
The summit also addressed sensitive topics, such as China's sanctions on U.S. subsidiaries of Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean and Beijing's trade restrictions with Korea. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac described the summit as a "full restoration" of bilateral ties, attributing it to the Lee administration's pragmatic diplomacy focused on national interests.