Lee and Xi Sign 14 MoUs, Push Joint Korean Peninsula Peace Measures Amid Regional Tensions
Updated (2 articles)
Lee and Xi convene in Beijing to address Korean Peninsula security South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, pledging joint exploration of viable peace measures after North Korea’s ballistic‑missile launches earlier that day [1][2]. Both leaders framed the dialogue as essential for regional stability and highlighted shared responsibilities for peace and development [1]. The summit opened with a 21‑gun salute and a business forum that promoted AI, beauty and cultural trade cooperation [2].
Summit signals full restoration of Korea‑China ties in 2026 Lee declared the visit a chance to make 2026 the first year of complete restoration of bilateral relations, emphasizing an “equal‑footing” partnership and pragmatic diplomacy [2][1]. He outlined plans to expand cooperation on livelihood issues that affect daily life, aiming to make the strategic partnership irreversible and momentum‑driven [1][2]. The meeting also set the stage for a future summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to address broader regional concerns [1].
Fourteen memorandums of understanding signed; historic statues returned After the talks, leaders attended a signing ceremony for 14 MoUs covering trade, technology, environment and other sectors, cementing concrete cooperation pathways [1]. The ceremony also featured the repatriation of a pair of Qing‑Dynasty stone lion statues acquired in 1933, symbolizing cultural reconciliation [1]. These agreements aim to deepen economic ties while supporting peace initiatives on the peninsula [2].
One‑China policy reaffirmed as Beijing‑Tokyo tensions loom Amid heightened Beijing‑Tokyo friction over Taiwan, Lee reiterated South Korea’s respect for the One‑China policy in a CCTV interview, underscoring continuity in diplomatic stance [1][2]. Xi echoed the need for closer communication and frequent high‑level visits, presenting the bilateral relationship as mutually beneficial [1]. Both sides highlighted common interests in safeguarding regional peace while navigating external pressures [2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: Lee Jae Myung seeks viable peace measures with China at Beijing summit amid regional tensions – Details Lee’s pledge for joint peace work, the signing of 14 MoUs, statue repatriation, and reaffirmation of the One‑China policy, emphasizing regional backdrop of Taiwan‑related tensions .
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[2]
Yonhap: Lee calls for joint efforts with China to explore viable measures for Korean Peninsula peace – Focuses on Lee’s agenda to reset Korea‑China ties, livelihood‑level cooperation, 21‑gun salute ceremony, business forum themes, and the strategic importance of the One‑China stance amid Japan‑China strains .
Timeline
Jan 5 2026 – North Korea launches a series of ballistic missiles, heightening regional tension just hours before President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to Beijing. The launches underscore the urgency of Lee’s peace agenda on the Korean Peninsula. [1][2]
Jan 5 2026 – Lee arrives in Beijing and receives a 21‑gun salute at Tiananmen Square, marking the formal start of his state visit and signaling strong diplomatic courtesy from China. [2]
Jan 5 2026 – A Korea‑China business forum convenes in Beijing, urging deeper cooperation in artificial intelligence, beauty, and cultural products to boost bilateral trade and lay groundwork for broader partnership. [2]
Jan 5 2026 – Lee meets President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People, pledging joint efforts with China to “explore viable alternatives for peace on the Korean Peninsula” and positioning the summit as a catalyst for regional stability. [1][2]
Jan 5 2026 – Xi stresses that both nations share “important responsibilities in safeguarding regional peace and promoting global development,” calling for closer communication and more frequent high‑level visits as friends. [1]
Jan 5 2026 – The leaders sign 14 memoranda of understanding covering trade, technology, environment and other sectors, and agree to repatriate a pair of Qing‑Dynasty stone lion statues purchased in 1933, symbolizing deepening cultural ties. [1]
Jan 5 2026 – Lee reiterates his vision to expand cooperation on livelihood issues on an equal footing, describing the partnership as an “irreversible trend of the times” that will open a new phase for Korea‑China relations. [1][2]
Jan 5 2026 – In a CCTV interview, Lee reaffirms South Korea’s adherence to the One China policy, stating the stance “remains unchanged since Seoul and Beijing established diplomatic ties.” [1][2]
Jan 5 2026 – Lee announces plans to hold a future summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, aiming to address regional challenges amid Beijing‑Tokyo tensions over Taiwan and to further stabilize Northeast Asian security. [1][2]