Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung is set to make a state visit to China next week for summit discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on enhancing strategic cooperation and bilateral economic relationships. The announcement was made by Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee's itinerary will commence with his departure to Beijing on Sunday. The summit talks with Xi are scheduled for early next week, followed by a trip to Shanghai on Tuesday before Lee returns to South Korea on Wednesday, as confirmed by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.
This meeting marks their second encounter since their initial summit on November 1 during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. It is also Lee's first visit to China since assuming office in June, and the first state visit to China by a South Korean president since 2017.
The discussions are expected to reinforce the "strategic cooperative partnership" between the two nations. "They are expected to discuss ways to produce tangible results that directly benefit people in both countries, including cooperation in supply chain investments, the digital economy, and responses to transnational crime," Kang stated.
The visit underscores Lee's commitment to maintaining stable relations with China, South Korea's largest trading partner and a crucial economic ally of North Korea. This comes amid ongoing efforts by Seoul to encourage dialogue with Pyongyang. Seoul has called on Beijing to support the resumption of dialogue with North Korea, with China reiterating its dedication to stability on the Korean Peninsula.
During his stay in Shanghai, Lee will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Korean independence hero Kim Gu and the 100th anniversary of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea's establishment in the city. Kim Gu was a pivotal figure in Korea's independence movement against Japanese colonial rule and served as president of the provisional government in Shanghai.
Additionally, Lee will participate in business events aimed at strengthening partnerships between venture and startup companies from both countries, enhancing economic collaboration further.