South Korean President Lee Declares Irreversible Restoration of Korea‑China Ties in Beijing
Updated (2 articles)
Lee Announces Irreversible Restoration Goal During Beijing Meeting President Lee Jae Myung met Premier Li Qiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Jan. 6 and said 2026 will be the first year of “full restoration” of Seoul‑Beijing relations, which he intends to turn into an “irreversible trend” after a period of cooling [1][2]. He framed the visit as a decisive step to lock in a renewed diplomatic trajectory. The statement set the tone for subsequent discussions with other Chinese officials.
Talks Follow Summit With Xi Emphasizing North Korea Dialogue The Li meeting occurred a day after Lee’s summit with President Xi Jinping, where both leaders stressed the need to resume talks with North Korea and to broaden economic cooperation [1][2]. Lee presented the Xi outcomes as a foundation for practical projects that improve livelihoods and regional stability. He linked diplomatic progress directly to tangible economic benefits.
Lee Seeks Li’s Support for Trilateral Summit With Japan Lee asked Li, China’s top economic policymaker and counterpart for an upcoming Korea‑Japan‑China summit, to back advancing bilateral ties and to help promote peace on the Korean Peninsula [1][2]. He highlighted “horizontal and mutually beneficial” cooperation as essential for shared prosperity. The request tied economic collaboration to security coordination ahead of the trilateral meeting.
Li Pledges Deeper Strategic Communication and Cooperation Premier Li responded that China values its relationship with South Korea and will strengthen strategic communication and political mutual trust [1][2]. He pledged a leading role in broadening cooperation to improve the well‑being of both peoples, signaling Beijing’s readiness to translate diplomatic momentum into concrete programs. The pledge underscored mutual interest in stabilizing ties.
Series of Prior Lee‑Li Encounters Shows Continuity This encounter marked the third Lee‑Li meeting after sideline talks at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia (Oct) and the APEC summit in South Korea (Nov) [2]. Those earlier contacts laid groundwork for the elevated Diaoyutai discussions, coordinating security and economic agendas. The pattern demonstrates sustained high‑level engagement ahead of multilateral talks.
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: Lee tells China's premier on Jan. 6 he will make restoration of Seoul-Beijing ties an 'irreversible' trend: reports Lee’s declaration of an irreversible restoration, his meeting with Li, and Li’s pledge to deepen cooperation, emphasizing the diplomatic shift in 2026.
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[2]
Yonhap: Lee urges Li to make restoration of Korea-China ties an 'irreversible trend' during Beijing meetings: adds context of prior ASEAN and APEC sideline meetings, highlights Li’s economic portfolio and upcoming trilateral summit with Japan, and stresses continuity of high‑level dialogue.
Timeline
Oct 2025 – President Lee Jae Myung meets Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, marking the first of three high‑level contacts that lay the groundwork for a broader diplomatic thaw between Seoul and Beijing[2].
Nov 2025 – Lee and Li hold a second side‑meeting at the APEC summit in South Korea, deepening their personal rapport and signaling a coordinated push on regional security and trade ahead of a planned trilateral summit with Japan[2].
Jan 5 2026 – Lee convenes a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both leaders stress the need to resume dialogue with North Korea and agree to expand economic cooperation, framing the talks as a foundation for “full restoration” of Korea‑China relations[1][2].
Jan 6 2026 (morning) – Lee meets Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, at the Great Hall of the People and urges the Chinese legislature to give “active support” for solidifying Seoul‑Beijing ties; Zhao replies that stable bilateral relations serve both peoples and global peace[1].
Jan 6 2026 (afternoon) – At the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Lee tells Premier Li Qiang that he will make the restoration of Korea‑China ties an “irreversible trend,” linking diplomatic renewal to “horizontal and mutually beneficial” cooperation and asking Li to help promote peace on the peninsula and back a forthcoming trilateral summit with Japan[1][2].
Jan 6 2026 (same meeting) – Li pledges to deepen strategic communication, strengthen political mutual trust, and lead efforts to broaden cooperation that improves the well‑being of both peoples, signaling Beijing’s readiness to translate the diplomatic momentum into concrete programs[1][2].