South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung is meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping as he seeks to reset frayed ties with his country’s biggest trading partner. Regional security and Beijing’s unofficial ban on Korean pop culture are also on the agenda for Monday’s meeting, which is their second summit since November, when Xi visited South Korea.
For weeks, China and Japan have been engaged in a diplomatic row over the former’s claim on self-governed Taiwan, which puts Seoul, a key regional power, in an awkward spot.
Given what a vital economic partner China is, experts say Lee is looking for assurances that it would not weaponise that relationship in the face of political tensions in the region.
China Condemns Japan’s Taiwan Comments
Beijing intensified its criticism of Japan after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicated in parliament that Tokyo might deploy its Self-Defense Forces if China were to attack Taiwan.
Visiting Beijing at this time is a notable step for Lee. Similar to Japan, South Korea is also a U.S. ally, and the United States supports Taiwan and provides it with defensive weapons.
Xi is expected to hold a welcoming ceremony for Lee in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, state-run CCTV reports.
Lee, who arrived in Beijing on Sunday, will then meet China’s Premier Li Qiang and the chairman of parliament, Zhao Leji, before flying to Shanghai.
Lee Aims to Strengthen Korea-China Relations
Speaking to Korean residents in Beijing on Sunday, Lee stated that his visit would “serve as a new starting point to address the gaps in Korea-China relations, restore normalcy, and elevate them to a higher level.”
This marks the first visit by a South Korean leader to Beijing since 2019. Relations had deteriorated under Lee’s predecessor, impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was highly critical of China.
On the other hand, Xi Jinping’s willingness to meet Lee highlights the pressure he faces in securing a regional ally, according to Park Seung-chan, a professor of China studies at Yongin University, who spoke to the BBC.
“China may beat around the bush, but its demand is clear: side with China and denounce Japan,” said Park Seung-chan, highlighting Beijing’s underlying expectations.
Historical Ties Highlighted in Diplomatic Moves
Beijing has been emphasizing the shared history of fighting against Japan during the 20th century, according to Mr. Park. As part of his visit, Lee is expected to attend a memorial service in Shanghai for activists who fought for Korea’s independence from Japan.
“While Korea is still showing deference towards China, it also wants to strengthen its relationships with both Japan and China,” Mr. Park added.
Seoul has long balanced its diplomacy between Beijing and Tokyo. Lee is reportedly planning to visit Japan later this month to meet Prime Minister Takaichi. On Friday, South Korea’s national security director, Wi Sung-lac, told reporters that the country “respects the One China policy,” officially recognizing Beijing as the sole Chinese government.
