Lee’s Four‑Day China Visit Launches Security Talks as Beijing‑Japan Taiwan Tensions Escalate
Updated (3 articles)
Lee Begins First China Trip Since Inauguration, Meets Top Leaders President Lee Jae Myung started a four‑day state visit on Sunday, his inaugural trip to Beijing as president. He will hold in‑depth security and economic talks with President Xi Jinping on Jan 5, followed by meetings with Zhao Leji and Premier Li Qiang on Jan 6 [1][2][3]. The agenda includes seeking Chinese cooperation on Korean‑Peninsula issues and tangible benefits for South Korean citizens.
President Reaffirms One‑China Policy and 1992 Diplomatic Foundations In a pre‑visit CCTV interview, Lee stressed that Seoul continues to respect the One‑China principle and the 1992 agreement that underpins bilateral ties [1][3]. He described Xi as a “reliable neighbour” and said mutual respect is essential for peace in the Taiwan Strait and broader Northeast Asia [2][3]. The interview marks Lee’s first televised address from the Blue House to Chinese media.
Beijing‑Japan Friction Over Taiwan Shapes Diplomatic Calculus Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November warning of possible intervention if China moves against Taiwan has heightened regional strain [1]. China responded with large‑scale drills around Taiwan the previous week, signaling a warning to separatist and external forces [2][3]. Additionally, Beijing imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defence firms over recent arms sales to Taiwan, adding complexity to Seoul’s outreach [1].
North Korean Missile Launches and Lee’s Call for Balanced US‑China Relations Ahead of the visit, North Korea fired ballistic missiles toward the sea in a display before its party congress, raising security concerns [2]. Lee told CCTV that South Korea’s partnership with the United States should not push Seoul toward confrontation with China, urging resolution of past misunderstandings [1]. The president’s remarks aim to position South Korea as a stabilising actor amid the heightened volatility.
Sources (3 articles)
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[1]
The Hindu: Lee Jae Myung begins four‑day China visit amid Taiwan tensions with Japan: Details Lee’s itinerary, CCTV interview, and the broader context of Beijing‑Japan friction, plus China’s sanctions on U.S. firms .
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[2]
AP: South Korean president visits China to deepen ties as Beijing‑Japan tensions over Taiwan rise: Highlights the visit’s security and economic focus, recent Chinese drills, and North Korean missile launches .
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[3]
Yonhap: Lee Jae Myung says South Korea will continue to respect ‘one‑China’ policy ahead of China visit: Emphasises Lee’s reaffirmation of the 1992 principles and timing of the trip amid Taiwan Strait drills .
Timeline
Dec 2025 – China sanctions 20 U.S. defence‑related firms for supplying arms to Taiwan, signalling Beijing’s hardening stance on the island and adding diplomatic pressure on allies of Washington[2].
Jan 1, 2026 – China stages large‑scale military drills around Taiwan, warning “separatist and external interference forces,” heightening cross‑strait tensions and underscoring the strategic backdrop of Seoul’s upcoming outreach[1][3].
Jan 2, 2026 – President Lee Jae Myung tells CCTV that South Korea “continues to respect the one‑China principle” and that the 1992 agreement remains the “core guideline” of Seoul‑Beijing relations, while stressing the need for peace in the Taiwan Strait[3].
Jan 3, 2026 – North Korea fires ballistic missiles toward the sea ahead of its ruling‑party congress, injecting further volatility into the regional security environment that frames Lee’s diplomatic mission[1].
Jan 4, 2026 – Lee Jae Myung begins a four‑day state visit to China, his first since taking office, and meets President Xi Jinping for a second time in two months, aiming to deepen security and economic ties amid rising Beijing‑Japan friction over Taiwan[1][2].
Jan 5, 2026 – Lee and Xi hold in‑depth talks on security and economics; Seoul’s national security adviser says the talks seek a “constructive role by China on the Korean Peninsula” and tangible benefits for both peoples[2].
Jan 6, 2026 – Lee meets top Chinese officials Zhao Leji and Premier Li Qiang, pressing for concrete cooperation that can improve everyday life for citizens in both countries while maintaining a balanced U.S.–China relationship[2].