Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call with South Korea’s newly elected President Lee Jae-myung on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing bilateral relations and fostering regional stability. The call highlighted shared interests in upholding multilateralism, free trade, and cooperation in maintaining global and regional supply chains, according to China's state-run media.
Xi stated that a “healthy, stable, and deepening” relationship between China and South Korea is essential for both nations and contributes to broader regional and global peace. The Chinese president underscored that maintaining close cooperation and multilateral coordination is crucial for securing stability in today’s volatile geopolitical environment.
In his remarks, Xi expressed confidence that the China-South Korea partnership has transcended ideological differences and fostered mutual prosperity. “A sound, stable, and continuously deepening relationship between China and South Korea aligns with the trend of the times,” Xi said, noting that this relationship serves the fundamental interests of both nations and benefits regional and global stability.
The two leaders agreed on the need to deepen exchanges across multiple levels and sectors, including economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties. Xi also highlighted the importance of mutual respect for core national interests and maintaining a balanced approach in diplomatic relations.
Lee, who took office following a sanp election, is signaling a shift in South Korea’s foreign policy. Unlike his predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol, who favored closer ties with the United States and Japan, Lee has emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening relations with China, South Korea's largest trading partner.
During the call, Lee expressed admiration for China’s economic progress under Xi’s leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding South Korea-China ties. However, Lee’s administration faces significant challenges in navigating its relationship with China while managing its longstanding security alliance with the United States.
This phone call marks a notable first step in Lee’s foreign policy, signaling a more cautious approach to balancing relations between China and the U.S., which some analysts view as a shift from his predecessor’s more U.S.-centric stance.
Despite the warm tone of the conversation, Chinese experts caution that South Korea’s relations with Beijing may fluctuate as Seoul continues to contend with external pressures, particularly from Washington. The ongoing regional security issues—such as tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea—may continue to complicate the bilateral relationship.
While both leaders agreed on the need for stronger cooperation, the future of China-South Korea relations will depend largely on how Lee navigates the competing demands of his strategic partners. As President Lee continues to define his foreign policy, his approach to China will be crucial in determining the course of bilateral relations in the years to come.
The phone call between the two leaders comes less than a week after Lee's election victory, which marked a significant shift in South Korean politics. His administration is poised to address both the economic and security challenges posed by its dual dependence on China and the United States.