South Korea and China Unite for Peace and Progress
Gyeongju – President Lee Jae Myung’s meeting with President Xi Jinping marks a positive step toward regional cooperation, peace on the Korean Peninsula, and deeper economic partnerships between South Korea and China.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting in Gyeongju during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit has opened a hopeful chapter for peace and cooperation in East Asia.
President Lee’s request for China’s support in re-engaging North Korea and President Xi’s warm response to deepen collaboration demonstrate a shared commitment to regional stability, mutual respect, and economic progress.
Xi’s first visit to South Korea in 11 years symbolizes a renewed effort to strengthen diplomatic ties. Both nations acknowledged the importance of strategic communication, shared prosperity, and fostering mutual trust.
Lee emphasized the positive momentum forming for engagement with North Korea, expressing optimism about creating favorable conditions for renewed dialogue and understanding on the peninsula.
President Xi highlighted the inseparable partnership between China and South Korea, emphasizing that Beijing attaches great importance to this relationship.
The leaders agreed to uphold cooperation in addressing challenges, promote regional peace, and enhance dialogue through friendly consultation.
This diplomatic milestone reflects the growing determination of both nations to maintain open channels of communication, despite global tensions.
During the summit, China and South Korea signed seven important agreements, including a won-yuan currency swap and memorandums of understanding focused on innovation, online crime prevention, biopharmaceuticals, and industries supporting aging populations.
These agreements underline the strong economic partnership between the two countries and their shared goal of building a sustainable, innovation-driven future.
Lee’s balanced foreign policy aims to strengthen South Korea’s alliance with the United States while maintaining constructive relations with China. His vision focuses on peaceful engagement, mutual economic benefit, and balanced diplomacy that contributes to the broader stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
By taking a pragmatic approach to North Korea’s denuclearization, Lee hopes to lay the foundation for long-term peace and cooperation across the peninsula.
Despite North Korea’s recent rejection of talks, Lee remains committed to diplomacy. His call for a phased denuclearization process starting with engagement shows his belief in steady progress through communication rather than confrontation.
President Xi’s willingness to support these efforts indicates China’s readiness to play a constructive role in ensuring peace and balance in the region.
Both leaders also explored ways to expand cooperation in new sectors like artificial intelligence, green technology, and aging population management—areas that hold tremendous potential for innovation and sustainable growth. Their discussions emphasized respect for each nation’s development path, the need for mutual understanding, and the importance of cooperation in solving shared challenges.
During the talks, Lee raised issues related to cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and maritime cooperation, while Xi expressed support for fostering friendship and cultural understanding between their peoples.
Both nations recognized that strengthening people-to-people ties is key to overcoming historical tensions and shaping a positive future together.
President Lee’s commitment to curbing divisive protests and improving South Korea’s global image also reflects his focus on unity and progress.
By promoting harmony within his country and abroad, he is working to position South Korea as a beacon of peace, modernity, and democratic strength in Asia.
As both nations look ahead, the spirit of cooperation that defined this summit promises a stronger partnership and a more peaceful regional environment.
The meeting between President Lee and President Xi has created new opportunities for diplomacy, economic collaboration, and cultural exchange, setting the stage for a more stable and prosperous East Asia.
