UPDATE: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for urgent action to strengthen ties with South Korea, emphasizing the need for enhanced strategic communication and mutual trust during a pivotal meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in Beijing on November 2, 2025.
This high-stakes dialogue marks a significant moment for both nations, highlighting their intertwined futures as critical neighbors and partners. Xi stressed that cooperation between China and South Korea is essential for regional stability and development, aiming to solidify a long-term strategic partnership.
“We must deepen cooperation, expand common interests, and tackle challenges together,” Xi stated, as he unveiled a four-point proposal aimed at revitalizing the bilateral relationship. His call for action comes at a time when both nations seek to recover from previous diplomatic strains.
Key to this initiative is the emphasis on enhancing communication to build a solid foundation of mutual trust. Xi urged both countries to view their relationship from a long-term perspective, advocating for respect and understanding of each other’s social systems and major concerns. “We can achieve win-win cooperation by seeking common ground while shelving differences,” he added.
The proposal also includes plans to accelerate negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the two nations, aiming to unlock potential in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and biopharmaceuticals. Xi highlighted the importance of mutual benefits, stating, “Helping one’s neighbor succeed is to help oneself.”
In addition, Xi called for enhanced cultural exchanges and improved public sentiment between the two peoples, recognizing that fostering friendship is vital for a stable future. He urged both sides to facilitate cross-border travel and strengthen interactions among youth and local communities.
The meeting received significant attention in South Korea, with local media covering the implications of Xi’s visit. Lee Jae-myung welcomed Xi warmly, acknowledging the historic significance of this state visit—the first in over a decade. “We are inseparable partners,” Lee proclaimed, reinforcing South Korea’s commitment to advancing their collaborative ties.
Lee presented Xi with a traditional Go table as a symbol of hope for closer relations, emphasizing the shared cultural values that unite both nations. He expressed South Korea’s readiness to bolster people-to-people exchanges and enhance diplomatic communication on regional issues.
As China prepares to host the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, both leaders reiterated their commitment to regional integration and economic collaboration. The summit’s outcomes are expected to foster a more stable and predictable environment for bilateral economic cooperation, which is crucial given their geographical proximity and economic interdependence.
The discussions also included a focus on combating challenges like online gambling and telecom fraud, with both leaders agreeing on the necessity of joint efforts to safeguard their citizens. This partnership is viewed as vital for addressing both domestic and regional security concerns.
Experts have noted that Xi’s visit represents a turning point, with potential to restore political trust and reinvigorate the strategic partnership between the two countries. This development is especially critical as both nations navigate the complexities of current international relations.
As the global community watches closely, the implications of this strengthened cooperation could resonate beyond the borders of China and South Korea, impacting regional dynamics and economic landscapes. The world awaits further developments from this significant diplomatic engagement.
The next steps will be crucial as both leaders implement their ambitious plans and work towards a more collaborative future. Observers will be monitoring the outcomes of the agreements reached during this meeting, hoping for tangible results that benefit both nations and their citizens.
